2nd Annual Native Heritage Celebration

About this event

Wisconsin has one of the largest concentrations of Native American Tribes east of the Mississippi River, and each has a distinct culture and rich heritage. To celebrate and honor this rich history and culture, the Marcus Performing Arts Center will present its inaugural Native Heritage Celebration on Friday, September 18, 2026. Through this celebration, attendees will learn about the culture and heritage of the various tribes of Wisconsin through a variety of offerings including traditional smudging, youth drumming, and a panel discussion. The event will feature interactive experience booths where attendees can meet representatives from Wisconsin’s eleven tribes, explore traditional artifacts, and learn about the customs, traditions, and living cultures of Native communities throughout the state. Explore traditional and contemporary Native arts and cultural practices through engaging exhibits and demonstrations featuring beadwork, basketry, weaving, moccasin making, photography, painting, sculpture, boat building, lacrosse demonstrations, horticulture, history, and other educational presentations. The Native Heritage Celebration is free and open to the public. Committee Members Dan Terrio, M.S. (he,his,him) | Area Extension Director - University of Wisconsin-Extension - Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tashina Williams - Senior Content Marketing Manager - Potawatomi Casino Hotel - Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohicans Tracie Sparks - Director of Professional Learning and Strategic Initiatives - Marquette University - Oneida Nation of Wisconsin Brad Kroupa - Executive Director at Forest County Potawatomi Foundation - Forest County Potawatomi Foundation - Arikara