Roots of Wisdom

Open through January 2, 2025 in KNC’s Exhibits Hall

Interactive exhibit

At the Roots of Wisdom, Story Area groups engage in story telling, either by listening to a traditional story around the cracking “fire pit” or sharing their own stories of ancestral/family traditions and places.

KNC is thrilled to host its first traveling exhibit, Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge, Shared Science. This interactive exhibition explores ecological challenges and the solutions that are informed by native knowledge, practices, and traditions. Real-life stories are presented through the voices of four indigenous communities. Visitors gain insight into how traditional knowledge and Western science can be unified to improve our relationship with the natural world. Messaging will center around engaging content that highlights the striking influences and impacts native communities have on the wider world.

The exhibition was developed by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), the Indigenous Education Institute (IEI), the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Tulalip Tribes, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Waikalua Loko Fishpond Preservation Society in Hawaii. It was made possible through funding from the National Science Foundation.

Gun Lake outside with canoe

Gun Lake Tribe’s Mnomen restoration team.

In addition, KNC is collaborating with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, Gun Lake Tribe, for a special feature on Mnomen (wild rice).
This section of the exhibit speaks to the cultural significance of Mnomen, the harvesting process and the important role Mnomen plays in local ecosystems. Take an in-depth look at tools that are part of the harvesting process as well as current restoration initiatives of Mnomen in local waterways.

Contact Justin Davies with questions or feedback around Roots of Wisdom at . For media inquiries, contact Lisa Panich at or 269-381-1574 ext. 38.

Collaboration with

Collaboration with

Gun Lake Tribe

Supported by

Arts at KNC

On view in the Glen Vista Gallery:

art exhibitArt Drawn From Nature
through November 17, 2024
Art Drawn From Nature is a semiannual exhibit that echoes themes addressed in KNC’s temporary rotating exhibit hall. This year, coinciding with the traveling exhibit Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge, Shared Science, this exhibit celebrates artwork solely by Native American artists. Above: ​Emily Falcon, Gun Lake Tribe, Jo & Jackie, Acrylic on Canvas

Join us for an Artist Reception September 14 from 2-4 pm! Read more >

Nature’s Way Preschool Art Show
Opens November 23, 2024
Inspired by Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge, Shared Science, this exhibit will feature art by the little ones of KNC’s Nature’s Way Preschool. Experience the whimsy of children’s artwork through December!

Buy Local Art & Gift FairSaturday, December 7, 2024 9 am – 4 pm  Free admission to the Fair and trails all day!

KNC’s Buy Local Art & Gift Fair is a celebration of local artists featuring unique booths from top local artisans. The quality and variety of work, friendly artists, and festive atmosphere have made this an annual tradition you don’t want to miss! KNC Members also get invited to the popular Jingle Mingle the evening prior to the art fair.

Read more >

Art Drawn From Nature:
Kirk Newman Art School at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

As muse and motivation for new art making experiences, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts’ Kirk Newman Art School and KNC are thrilled to announce an expanded partnership that brings the talented School faculty to the landscapes of the Nature Center. Explore the beauty of the trails, prairie blossoms, trees, animals, and scenery through a range of nature-inspired art courses. Pre-arrival information will be shared with enrollees before each course starts.

Learn more about the classes and register on the KIA’s website >