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Press Releases

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD: NATIVE AMERICA

Contact:
Natalie Kreiger
Chicago Children's Museum
312.464.7727

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chicago Children’s Museum celebrates Chicago’s Native American community during National American Indian Heritage Month

CHICAGO- November 6, 2007–Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) kicks off its eighth annual Passport to the World: Native America on November 8. In partnership with The American Indian Center of Chicago (AIC) and The Anawim Center and Chicago Public School, Title VII Indian Education Formula Grant Program, CCM celebrates Chicago’s vibrant Native American community through literature and the arts.

The festivities begin with a fashion show this Thursday night, November 8, at 5:30PM. Native American CPS students passionate about expressing their heritage will model traditional regalia as well as everyday attire. An afternoon of performances and activities on November 10 will introduce visitors of all ages to the arts, language and customs of the Ojibwe Indians. The program concludes November 15 with a preview of this year’s AIC Powwow at the UIC Pavilion.

“The Native American community is very passionate about preserving and sharing their culture,” said Keith McCormick, CCM ‘s director of cultural programs. “The two things that make Passport to Native America unique are that the focus is on children and youth, and that we work in partnership with the Native community to insure that the program is culturally authentic.”

Admission is free on the evenings of November 8 and 15 from 5-8pm for Kraft Free Family Night.

About Passport to the World
Passport to the World is a series of celebrations that focuses on the arts and traditions of Chicago's culturally diverse neighborhoods. This program provides children, adults and caregivers with year-round opportunities to experience and learn more about the world around them. Passport to the World features authentic cultural programming representing the art, culture, and traditions, of a particular country; all participating artists, performers and workshop leaders are members of the featured culture. Performers work with professional and student groups as well as other organizations prominent in their community. Each Passport to the World celebration culminates in an activity-rich, three-day festival held throughout the museum. Current Passport to the World community partners include Chicago’s Mexican, Native American, Nigerian, Irish, Indian, Polish, Chinese, Puerto Rican, Persian, Greece and Korean communities.

About Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago Children’s Museum is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where play and learning connect. CCM teaches children through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs. With over fifteen interactive exhibits such as, The Allstate Foundation presents Play It Safe and new activities daily, every visit is unique for parents, caregivers, educators and children from toddlers-to 10 years.

Located at Navy Pier, Chicago’s number one attraction at 700 East Grand Avenue, CCM is the final stop for CTA buses #29, #65, #66 and #124. For more information, please visit www.ChicagoChildrensMuseum.org.

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