Have you ever aggressively chanted a tribe cheer at a summer camp? Have you ever belted the song Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas when no one was watching? While this is all fun and games, it’s incredibly important to remember the true of the Native Americans. On February 29th, join the Brooks Art Museum from 12:00 to 2:00 pm for an event that celebrates this brand new Native Voices exhibit. The events will help students learn about native cultures and aid them in understanding what it means to be a Native American. It will honor the history of Native Americans as well as shed light on the modern successes of their current tribes. 

Kathy Dumlao, the Director of Education and Interpretation at the Brooks Museum, states, “Native Voices is a major exhibition of contemporary Native American art that includes something for everyone. The exhibition features painting, photography, sculpture, fashion, and more, all created by Indigenous artists from the U.S. and Canada, between 1950 and today.” 

With activities such as speed debating about appropriation of Native American fashion and creating woven response pieces, this event will explore multiple sides of Native American issues in an active and engaging way. It will begin at 12:00 pm with the keynote speaker Amanda Savage who will discuss Land Use Statements. Mrs. Dumlao says, “I think it’s important for people to see Native Voices because it will open people’s eyes to the amazing contemporary art being made by Indigenous artists, and perhaps the social issues addressed in the artwork.” This event is sure to break boundaries and shatter the dividing lines between native cultures and others and enlighten students on the Native American perspective. 

For more information, click this link: http://www.brooksmuseum.org/default.aspx?p=177422&evtid=1678737&date=2/29/2020