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Seven Generations: The Art of Native American Activism

Unidentified artist, Defend the Land Struggle, 1970s-1980s, lithograph on paper, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Diane Palley. Unidentified artist, Stop the Rape of Mt. Taylor, 1979, lithograph on paper, Albuquerque Museum, gift of Diane Palley.

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Virtual Exhibit Showcases a Tradition of Activism in New Mexico

THE PHRASE “SEVEN GENERATIONS” MAY not mean what you think it does.

The concept of seven generations is often misconstrued as being about seven generations in the future. Instead, “seven generations” refers to the three generations that came before, the three generations that will come next, and the present generation. For many Native American communities, this idea is a way to conceptualize change and a way to live in right relation with all living beings.

This fall, the Albuquerque Museum will launch Seven Generations of Red Power in New Mexico. The virtual exhibition will tell the long story of Indigenous resistance in this region and reflect on how the activism of today is part of that long, unbroken legacy.

Nick Estes, a citizen of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, and University of New Mexico assistant professor in American Studies, is guest curating the exhibition, with assistance from Rebecca Prinster, assistant curator of history. His educational background in history and his long involvement in activism made him a key voice to tell the story. The exhibition includes a section on art as activism. One featured artist, Jared Yazzie (Diné), designs streetwear that incorporates Navajo designs under his brand OXDX. He recently created a poster in response to the COVID-19 emergency on the Navajo Nation. The image serves as a reminder to stay safe, wear a face mask, and look forward to a better future. Art has often been used to react to historical upheavals and stand up to injustice. Likewise, standing up to injustice has consistently been a way to be a good relative—to the three generations that came before and the three that will come next. Seven Generations seeks to illuminate that history of resistance and its ongoing Jared Yazzie, Better Future, 2020, digital print, courtesy of the artist. legacy in New Mexico.

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