A chat with John Low of the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian (MMAI) is one of the 25 core members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. John Low, the Executive Director of the museum, has described what the MMAI does, its core mission, and its relationship to the Alliance.

1. How would you describe the purpose or goals of your organization (in a few sentences)?

The Mitchell Museum's mission is to promote and share a deeper understanding of Native American Indian peoples through the collection, preservation and interpretation of traditional and contemporary art and material culture. The Museum offers an opportunity to discover, experience and connect with Indigenous peoples and their histories, cultures and communities.

2. How does your organization contribute, or in what way is it an asset, to the city of Chicago?

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian is the only museum in the Chicago-area that focuses exclusively on the history, culture and arts of the Native people of North America. Our general purpose is to promote and share a deeper understanding of Native American peoples through the collection, preservation and interpretation of their traditional and contemporary art and material culture. Here we celebrate Indigenous lives and communities and dispel stereotypes and misinformation. We also promote the public's understanding of cultural diversity through first voice perspectives. The Museum serves as a resource for residents of the greater Chicago area, for Native peoples, and for researchers/scholars and students from other educational and cultural institutions. The Museum is dedicated to working collaboratively and respectfully with each of these constituencies in all of its activities including collections care, exhibitions, guided tours, lectures, demonstrations, workshops, loan programs and docent training.

3. What is the most exciting part of your position at your organization?

I have a great sense of humility and responsibility for the fact that I am the first American Indian to be the Executive Director of the MMAI. I am happy for the opportunity to lead an institution dedicated to the histories, cultures and lives of the Nation's First Peoples. We have three core themes here at the Museum - Discover, Experience & Connect. Our programming, exhibits, tours, activities and space are dedicated to these themes. As Executive Director, I feel like I am the “captain of a ship” – my role is to make our guests' experiences here exciting and meaningful. I love every day here because every day is different and every guest is special.

4. What drew you to your organization?

I am Pokagon Band Potawatomi Indian, grew up in Michigan, practiced law as a tribal attorney, received a second BA in American Indian studies from the University of Minnesota, an MA from the University of Chicago, and am finishing my Ph.D. in American Culture at the University of Michigan. While at the University of Michigan, I also earned a Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies. I previously served on the Advisory Committee for the Mitchell Museum and as a curatorial assistant here prior to pursuing my Ph.D. Being very familiar with the resources and good work of the museum - and feeling a responsibility to see to the best management of a museum representing American Indian peoples - it was an easy choice for me to come here.

5. How has your work at this institution broadened your understanding of issue x (taken from their mission statement, etc.)?

The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian was founded in 1977 through a gift to Kendall College of approximately 3000 Native American objects by John M. and Betty Seabury Mitchell. Since that time the collection has grown through gifts and purchases to include more than 10,000 objects. In 1997 the Museum moved from the Kendall College campus to a free-standing building where it has been able to greatly expand its exhibitions and public programming. In 2007, after Kendall College moved to the Chicago near northside, the Mitchell Museum became an independent, non-profit institution. Since coming to the Museum, I have learned how important and exciting it is to expand our audiences, build our membership and donor base, and increase our visibility and relevancy as a community resource.

6. Why do you think it is important for your organization to be part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance?

The Chicago Cultural Alliance allows us here at the Mitchell Museum to effectively network and collaborate with other cultural and ethnic museums and cultural centers in the area and to collaborate in educational, resource allocation, fundraising and other programming.

7. How has the Alliance expanded your opportunities (i.e. funding, relationship-building, etc.)?

Staff here at the Mitchell Museum regularly participate in training, we share information and ideas about what is working - and not working - regarding many of the important issues facing the museums like ourselves, and we look to the CCA as a clearinghouse of information and a source of information and inspiration for the myriad of projects we promote and participate.

8. How do you understand the Alliance's mission of "effect[ing] social change and public understanding of cultural diversity?" What is the significance of this mission to your organization?

The Mitchell Museum's mission is to promote and share a deeper understanding of Native American Indian peoples through the collection, preservation and interpretation of traditional and contemporary art and material culture. The MMAI works every day to promote respect and understanding. We are a museum, not just about American Indians or the American Indian experience, but about all Americans and the American experience. When guests, young and old, learn something know about someone else, and when guests find new reasons to respect others, they find reasons to also have greater self-respect. The mission of the CCA nicely compliments and supports the mission of our museum.