SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Visitors to Springfield Museums will have a chance to learn more about Native American history through the science museum's new "We're Still Here" exhibit.

Springfield resident Aprell Munford put the project together. She’s a descendant of the great Iroquois Confederacy Mohawk Tribe and a member of the Native American Inter-Tribal Council of Western Massachusetts.

The exhibit’s goal is to connect the past to the present by exploring themes of ancestry, perseverance, and identity through the voices of present day Native Peoples.

Munford said she was told not to speak about her native culture growing up, but was later influenced by her older relatives to dive deeper into her lineage.

She said many people are unaware of the history and presence of Indigenous Peoples, so it's important to highlight their contributions to society.

"We want to give a source of pride to Indigenous People," Munford said. "We want little children to learn and really be more tolerant, really moved in a notch towards diversity, equity and inclusion."

Springfield Museums will run their "We're Still Here" exhibit until June of next year and will host an opening reception on Friday, September 30, where some of the Indigenous Peoples involved in the project will be present to share their stories as well.