Originally Published: October 9, 2023
Omaha’s Kiewit Luminarium offers free admission to Indigenous tribe members
Indigenous tribe members can now attend the Kiewit Luminarium in downtown Omaha at no charge.
In order to receive free admission to the science center, which opened in April, people must be registered members of federally recognized tribes. They can show their tribal card to get into the 82,000-square-foot science center that contains more than 100 interactive exhibits.
The announcement was made on Indigenous Peoples Day, which was celebrated Monday.
“Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to recognize and celebrate the rich history, cultural traditions and ecological stewardship of our Native communities,” Luminarium CEO Silva Raker said in a statement. “Kiewit Luminarium’s mission is to provide world-class exhibit experiences that are open to people of all ages, identities and backgrounds. Honoring and welcoming Indigenous families is an important component of that promise.”
The new policy comes after discussions with members of local Indigenous communities, including Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs Executive Director Judi gaiashkibos.
“When we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor the resilience, spirituality and environmental stewardship of the First Peoples of Nebraska,” gaiashkibos said in a press release. “The Luminarium’s Indigenous access program demonstrates acknowledgement of those contributions and respect for our people.”
Omaha Tribe members are featured in one exhibit called “Sowing Food Sovereignty,” which highlights the tribe’s participation in the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) Nebraska program. Students of Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation High School operate a 7-acre farm by growing vegetables, selling produce and managing the farm’s finances through the program.
“The students at Umoⁿhoⁿ Nation High School are working hard to build food sovereignty for our community, and getting to see that hard work on display in a world-class museum like Kiewit Luminarium has been a tremendous honor,” said Suzi French, director of the school’s farm. “Indigenous access to a museum dedicated to science, art and community will have an impact on the next generations of not only the Omaha Tribe, but of all Native communities.”