Smithsonian Folklife Festival to Feature Menominee Pageant in 2026 Celebration
The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, under the direction of Sabrina Motely, is set to include the Menominee Pageant as part of its 2026 special event, 'Of the People: The Smithsonian Festival of Festivals.' This event will be the only one held in Wisconsin, among approximately 40 gatherings nationwide, celebrating the United States' semiquincentennial year. The Menominee Pageant, a tradition dating back to 1874, showcases Menominee stories, drums, dancing, and community building. The pageant, revived in 2016 by the College of Menominee Nation, will feature both classic and newly written scripts, emphasizing values such as selflessness, humility, and bravery. The event aims to highlight the cultural democracy of the United States and the contributions of Native nations. 
