Experience 37: Matriarchs

As Indigenous women, we have occupied essential leadership roles in our communities for centuries. While the forces of colonization have sought to dismantle our cultures and life ways, we have fought to maintain and preserve them – not only surviving, but asserting our Indigenous identities at every turn throughout history. Today our women are leading and shaping movements to protect natural resources as well as Indigenous bodies. Leading critical work to heal, recover, and shape brighter, healthier futures, indigenous women are occupying roles as activists, scholars, educators, doctors, attorneys, writers, artists, scientists, and social workers. 

MATRIARCHS will feature multiple works from 8 – 10 female Indigenous artists. The work will include diverse mediums such as fashion, metalwork, photography, painting, basketry, and video. The selected artists will each be members of diverse tribal communities, creating work connecting to the above themes, while occupying leadership roles within their communities and beyond.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.