Modern Indigenous St. Louis

What does it mean to build a new life while fighting to preserve culture, identity, and community?
Following the passage of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, an assimilationist policy that encouraged Native Americans to move away from reservations to urban areas, thousands of Native Americans were relocated to cities across the United States, including St. Louis. Promoted by the federal government as a path to self-sufficiency and economic opportunity, the policy disrupted communities and contributed to the erosion of tribal connections for many Native people.
Historian, elder, and Missouri National Trail of Tears Association board member Galen Gritts (Cherokee) will provide historical context for the relocation era, followed by a panel discussion exploring the experiences of Native Americans who built lives in St. Louis during the mid- to late-20th century. Hear stories of resilience, cultural preservation, and community building in the face of displacement and erasure—and discover how those experiences continue to shape Native life in St. Louis today.