A Gravesite Memorial and Zoom Panel Discussion

Hinųk Max̄iwi-Kerenąka (Winnebago/Ho-Chunk) whose name means “She Returns to the Sky” was also known by her English name Angel De Cora. She was an influential artist and illustrator, designer, teacher, and the first Native American graduate of Smith College (class of 1896). She brought Native American imagery into the graphic arts in respectful and resonant ways.

Join us as we honor De Cora’s life (1871-1919) and contributions on the 125th anniversary of her graduation from Smith College and 150th anniversary of her birth. All are invited at noon to walk from Historic Northampton to her grave in Bridge Street Cemetery where we will lay a wreath.  De Cora died in Northampton in 1919 from complications of the flu.  

At 2 pm, there will be a zoom presentation about De Cora’s life and work by scholars, curators, and artists: Yvonne Tiger (Cherokee, Seminole, Muscogee (Creek) Nations of Oklahoma); Kiara M. Vigil (Dakota/Apache); Elizabeth James-Perry (Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head-Aquinnah); Sunshine Thomas-Bear (Bear Clan, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska); and N.C. Christopher Couch.