American Indian Museum Celebrates Its 5th Annual Living Earth Festival (photos)

The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Celebrated its fifth annual Living Earth Festival — July 18 to July 20 — with traditional music and dance performances, an “Iron Chef”-style cook-off and a concert — all featuring Native American entertainers from across the Americas. There was also an outdoor farmers market featuring local produce, a basket weaving demonstration and hands-on family activities. Performers included the Southern Ute Bear Dancers (southern Colorodo) and the Pokagon Drum and Dance Troupe (Michigan). The festival included an exclusive concert Saturday evening with blues father-and-son duo, Twice as Good, with opening act, Missy Knott. On Sunday, Oneida chef Arlie Doxtator competed in an “Iron Chef”-style competition against Oaxacan chef Neftali Duran in preparing two appetizers, entrees and desserts that incorporate cranberries, a fruit indigenous to North America. Three local chefs served as judges. Chef Sue McWilliams, culinary instructor at Paint Branch High School Culinary Arts Program, chef Brian Patterson, an instructor and L’Academie de Cuisine, and chef Pedro Matamoros from the Golden Flame Restaurant, Silver Spring, Md.

View our photos of the Living Earth Festival by clicking on the photo icons below.