11/19/25 THE AMERICAN INDIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM
The American Indian Genocide Museum
Bringing Hope and Healing Through History
About This Event
Join us for an important and informative session in recognition of National Native American Heritage Month. This event brings together the Dominican Sisters of Houston and the Center for the Healing of Racism to examine a critical piece of American history through the lens of the American Indian Genocide Museum.
Featured Speaker
Steve Melendez, Board of Director Member will present "Bringing Hope and Healing Through History" from 3:00-4:00 PM. This presentation explores how understanding historical trauma can create pathways toward reconciliation, healing, and hope for the future.
"Understanding the true history of Indigenous peoples in America is essential for healing, reconciliation, and building a more just future together."
— Event OrganizersWhy This Matters
November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Native American peoples while acknowledging the historical injustices they have faced. This event provides:
- Historical Education: Learn about the often-overlooked genocide of Indigenous peoples in America
- Healing Framework: Understand how confronting difficult history can lead to healing and reconciliation
- Community Dialogue: Engage with others committed to justice and healing
- Hope for the Future: Discover pathways forward that honor Indigenous sovereignty and rights
Event Partners
This event is co-hosted by two Houston organizations deeply committed to justice, healing, and community education.
Dominican Sisters of Houston
A Catholic religious congregation committed to preaching the Gospel through education, healthcare, pastoral ministry, and social justice work. Their Spirituality Center provides space for contemplation, dialogue, and community building.
Learn More →Center for the Healing of Racism
Founded in 1991, the Center works to eliminate racism in the Greater Houston area through education, dialogue, and community engagement. They facilitate difficult conversations and provide tools for healing racial wounds.
Learn More →About the American Indian Genocide Museum
The American Indian Genocide Museum is dedicated to documenting and educating the public about the systematic persecution, displacement, and genocide of Indigenous peoples in North America. The museum serves as:
📚 Historical Archive
Preserving documented evidence of genocidal policies and actions
🎓 Educational Resource
Teaching accurate history often missing from standard curricula
🕊️ Healing Space
Creating pathways for acknowledgment, truth-telling, and reconciliation
✊ Advocacy Platform
Supporting Indigenous rights and sovereignty movements
Topics Covered
- Historical Context: The systematic policies of removal, forced assimilation, and violence against Native peoples
- Documented Evidence: Primary sources and historical records of genocidal actions
- Cultural Destruction: The deliberate targeting of Indigenous languages, religions, and ways of life
- Contemporary Impact: How historical trauma continues to affect Native communities today
- Truth and Reconciliation: Pathways toward healing and justice
- Indigenous Resilience: How Native peoples have survived and maintained their cultures despite centuries of oppression
Event Schedule and Logistics
Full Day Schedule
11:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Event open to attendees
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Main presentation by Steve Melendez
Location Details
Dominican Sisters of Houston Spirituality Center
Meeting Room
6501 Almeda Road
Houston, Texas 77021
The Spirituality Center provides a contemplative space designed for dialogue, learning, and community gathering. The facility is accessible and welcoming to all.
Registration
Pre-registration is required. Register online at:
Cost and Donations
This event is free and open to the public. Voluntary donations are welcomed to support the ongoing work of the Center for the Healing of Racism and the Dominican Sisters of Houston.
Why You Should Attend
For Educators
- Gain accurate historical knowledge to share with students
- Learn teaching approaches for difficult historical topics
- Access resources for curriculum development
- Connect with other educators committed to teaching true history
For Community Members
- Deepen understanding of American history and Indigenous experiences
- Engage in meaningful dialogue about justice and reconciliation
- Learn how to support Indigenous rights and sovereignty
- Be part of community healing and truth-telling
For Faith Communities
- Understand the role of religious institutions in historical injustices
- Explore faith-based approaches to healing and reconciliation
- Learn about Indigenous spiritual traditions and sacred practices
- Connect faith values with social justice action
For Social Justice Advocates
- Understand connections between historical and contemporary injustices
- Learn organizing strategies from Indigenous resistance movements
- Build solidarity across movements for justice
- Support current Indigenous sovereignty struggles
Part of a Larger Movement
This event connects to broader efforts across the United States and internationally to:
- Acknowledge Historical Truth: Moving beyond sanitized versions of history to confront difficult realities
- Support Indigenous Sovereignty: Honoring treaty rights and supporting self-determination
- Promote Truth and Reconciliation: Following models like Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Educate Future Generations: Ensuring accurate history is taught in schools
- Build Multiracial Solidarity: Creating alliances between Indigenous peoples and other communities fighting for justice
- Advocate for Reparative Justice: Supporting land back movements and other forms of restitution
National Native American Heritage Month
November has been designated as National Native American Heritage Month since 1990. It is a time to:
- Celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native peoples
- Acknowledge the important contributions of Indigenous Americans to the United States
- Educate the public about the unique challenges Native peoples have faced historically and in the present
- Promote tribal sovereignty and support Indigenous rights
Join Us for This Important Event
Pre-registration is required. Space may be limited.
Questions? Contact the Center for the Healing of Racism
