RESILIENCE

This exhibition explores the resiliency of Indigenous artists across generations. Resilience and is curated by Ucross Fellow Marwin Begaye (Navajo), a professor at the University of Oklahoma, whose research examines issues of cultural identity through the intersection of Indigenous Americans and popular culture.

Resilience is on view from January 29, through May 15.

30 Big Red Lane, Ucross, WY 82835 | 307.737.2291 | [email protected]

TO LEARN MORE CHECK OUT THE RESILIENCE CATALOG

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/31190955/

Marwin Begaye is an internationally exhibited printmaker, painter.  As Associate Professor of Painting and Printmaking at the University of Oklahoma’s School of Visual Arts, his research has been concentrated on issues of cultural identity, especially the intersection of traditional American Indian culture and pop culture. He also has conducted research in the technical aspects of relief printing and the use of mixed‐media. His work has been exhibited nationally across the U.S. and internationally New Zealand, Argentina, Paraguay, Italy, Siberia and Estonia. He has received numerous awards, including the Oklahoma Visual Artists Coalition Fellowship, Best of Classification in Graphics at 2019 Santa Fe Indian Market among many others. He has been featured in many publications and is represented by Exhibit C in Oklahoma City.

The Indigenous artists whose works compose Resilience come from different disciplines, as well as tribal nations. Each was awarded the Ucross Fellowship for Native American Artists in 2025.

Writer Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) uses Cherokee orthography on her ceramics, fostering a link to language and kinship. Wade Patton (Oglala Lakota) is a mixed-media artist who uses symbols from his Oglala Lakota roots to illustrate the delicate relationship between earth and sky, with bison intersecting these sacred spaces. Gina Herrera (Tesuque Pueblo), a sculptor, uses ceramics, steel, and found materials to construct figurative sculptures that explore her heritage, as well as her experiences as an army veteran. Performance and visual artist Sarah Ortegon HighWalking (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho) explores movement and different forms of repetition through her painting, beadwork, and dancing.

RESILIENCE

This exhibition explores the resiliency of Indigenous artists across generations. Resilience and is curated by Ucross Fellow Marwin Begaye (Navajo), a professor at the University of Oklahoma, whose research examines issues of cultural identity through the intersection of Indigenous Americans and popular culture.
The Indigenous artists whose works compose Resilience come from different disciplines, as well as tribal nations. Each was awarded the Ucross Fellowship for Native American Artists in 2025.
Writer Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) uses Cherokee orthography on her ceramics, fostering a link to language and kinship. 

Gina Herrera (Tesuque Pueblo), a sculptor, uses ceramics, steel, and found materials to construct figurative sculptures that explore her heritage, as well as her experiences as an army veteran. 

Performance and visual artist Sarah Ortegon HighWalking (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho) explores movement and different forms of repetition through her painting, beadwork, and dancing.

Resilience is on view from January 29, through May 15.
Join us for two special events, both free and open to the public with required registration, on Friday, April 17:

• Artist Talk: The curator and featured artists will discuss their work at 11 a.m. in Kinnison Hall at Sheridan College.
• Public Reception: We will toast the show with refreshments; the curator will also give a special talk at the Ucross Art Gallery.

To Learn more about the artists please follow these links

https://www.ginaherrera.com/

https://www.asaunookeclapsaddle.com/biography

https://www.sarahortegon.com/

To Learn more about the Ucross Foundation please follow link.

https://www.ucrossfoundation.org/ucross-gallery.html

Live by my values taught to me by my elders.

Derek Johnson (Seneca, Cayuga, Eastern Band of Cherokee, and an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan)

Derek Nyagwai Johnson (Seneca, Cayuga, Eastern Band of Cherokee, and an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan) is the Assistant Athletics Director of Football Academics at the University of Mississippi’s FedEx Student-Athlete Support Services, with over 17 years of experience in collegiate athletics. He holds a Doctor of Education in Global Sports Leadership from East Tennessee State University, a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Pennsylvania State University, and a Bachelor’s in Ethnic Studies from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa where he was member of the Football Team.

Derek has a strong record of fostering academic excellence, including leading Ole Miss football to record-high team GPAs and multiple NCAA Public Recognition Awards for APR scores. His prior roles include positions at the University of New Mexico, Washington State University, Montana State University, and San Diego State University. He is active in diversity and leadership initiatives, serving on the University of Mississippi’s athletics diversity committee, participating in the NCAA Dr. Charles Whitcomb Leadership Institute, and is a member of the Association of Title IX Administrators. Derek also contributes to the community as a board member of the Lafayette County Literacy Council and as a Mental Health First Aider. His unique perspective, shaped by his Indigenous background and leadership experiences, enhances his impact on student-athlete success and leadership development

Originally from Haslett, Michigan, he enjoys spending time with his family: Tess (wife), Alex (son), and Chloe and Harper (daughters).

“I’m not a rapper, I’m an activist who rhymes.” Nataanii Means (Diné (Navajo), Oglala Lakota, Inhanktuwan Dakota, and Omaha Nations)

"MAKING IMPACT THROUGH MUSIC AND STORY TELLING"

Nataanii Means is an internationally recognized hip-hop artist from the Oglala Lakota, UmoNhoN (Omaha), and Diné Nations. Raised on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Arizona, Nataanii began rapping with the goal of sharing his personal stories, as well as those of his people, and bringing their voices to the forefront.

Nataanii Means spits gritty rhymes about his experiences as an American Indian man in the 21st Century. He deals with the same issues as most young men his age- peer pressures, women, anxiety for the future; but he also writes about them through his personal Native lens which makes his music so unique. On “Warrior” Nataanii laments “Call the coroner on another fallen warrior in the land of the forgotten- bad seeds already rotten. Poppin pills to fill the void of death knockin, you can guarantee the feds watchin, cuz we grew up around these revolutionaries who went to Wounded Knee to get their hearts buried.” As the son of the great Russell Means, Nataanii shares his music almost as an extension of his father’s impassioned speeches, hoping it has a similar impact on the youth.

He has performed at Venues, Universities, High Schools, Middle schools, and youth programs spanning the United States, Canada, and Europe. Nataanii has headlined three European tours and also starred in MTV's Rebel Music: Native America series and appeared in Viceland’s Standing Rock pt II. His work has been featured in publications such as the LA Times, NY Times, Billboard Magazine, and The Fader, and he has appeared on major talk shows including The Breakfast Club and Ebro in the Morning.

Nataanii's latest album, Growth, has received worldwide attention, accumulating over half a million streams across all platforms. 

https://nataaniimeans.com/

@nataanii_means

#podcast #NativePodcast #Native #HipHop #Activist #NativeArtist #NativeHipHop #Oglala #Diné #Omaha #Haudenosaunee #Navajo #SouthWest #Chinle #NewMexico # Albuquerque #IndigenousHipHop #PillarsofHipHop #SouthBronx #Bronx #BreakfastClub #Emcee #MC #Rhymes #Storytelling #RezLife #NavajoNation #Indigenous #Rapper #NativeRapper

Kyle Mesteth is an Oglala Lakota born and raised on the Pine Ridge Rez, He is a local leader/mentor to the youth . He founded a company called Ground Control, Where he aims to make it a Safe space for Lakota Skateboarders and all artists of his community to foster their minds and creativity in whatever form of art they choose . He also organizes local events for the people and is Proud to represent The Pine Ridge Rez!

Recently an Issue came to light in and around the Akwesasne Mohawk Community regarding the treatment and care for students with Special Needs. I have an opportunity to meet with:

Dr. Sarah Konwahahawi Herne, (Akwesasne Mohawk, Deer Clan)

Doctor of Education, Executive leadership and Social Justice

and Chrissy Onientatahse Jacobs (Akwesasne Mohawk, Bear Clan) Mom, auntie, caregiver

Photos of a structure resembling a shipping container with four wooden exterior panels and a padded interior appeared on Facebook on Dec. 15. But what, or rather who, was in the containers continues to spark outrage due to claims that special needs children were placed in them during time-out sessions.

The photos, posted by a former school board member, prompted a state investigation that led to school staff being placed on leave and the superintendent's temporary reassignment.

I have an opportunity to speak with two Mother's from the Akwesasne Community who have been organizing and meeting with the community to discuss next steps on how to move forward.

Drastic changes are on the horizon and maybe this is the catalyst for some positive outcomes ahead.

Dr. Konwahahawi Herne is a proud Kanienkehá:ka woman from the Akwesasne Mohawk Nation. She belongs to the Deer Clan and is from the Herne and Laffin families she’s the mother of Teieweratenies. Konwahahawi walks a path grounded in responsibility to future generations.

Konwahahawi has dedicated her life to dismantling systemic violence and advancing Indigenous self-determination through grassroots organizing, cultural revitalization, curriculum development, and harm reduction. She played an active role in supporting families and survivors during the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), advocating for justice and community-led healing.

Dr. Konwahahawi Herne is also the host of the Women's Dance Podcast.

There is an emergency episode of women's dance in response to a situation in the local school system that is so egregious it's even made national news.
Aunties and mothers are gathering and leading the charge, organizing and responding.
It has come to light the local school district, The Salmon River Central School disctrict was utilizing a positively medieval device: a box, a crate, as a behavioral correction tool for special needs child or children.
Upon learning of the situation the people have risen up demanding Justice accountability and Truth.
This latest situation has also opened up wounds of the past, for the people of Akwesasne have long had a contentious relationship with the local education system.
On this episode of Women's Dance Dr Sarah, Chrissy, Chrystal Lynn and Shara discuss what has been happening, deliver updates, and share their thoughts and feelings on the matter.
Get it here oN YouTube: https://youtu.be/oe1D1hDst6w
Also avail on Spotify, iTunes and wherever you find your podcasts
#akwesasne #womensdance #indigenouswomen #everychildmatters

In the 2nd Episode of Season IV, I speak with AJ Begay (Diné Nation) she works at the Boys and Girls Club of San Juan County in Farmington New Mexico. AJ recently started up a Podcast entitled "Club Chat" she is providing an opportunity for young people to share voice and their thoughts on everyday life in and around the Farmington, New Mexico community, a bordertown to the Navajo Nation. AJ has been a community organizer and is a positive voice doing the work in her community. She is an Indigenous artist and graphic designer from the Diné People, whose ancestral territory is part of what is now known as the state of New Mexico. Raised by my mother Ernestine Hesuse Begay in the community of Nageezi, NM on the reservation, her upbringing was also guided by the elders in her family, shimasani/grandmother Mabel P. Hesuse and her uncle, Henry Hesuse. That guidance from her mother, grandmother and uncle has shaped her into the Dine woman that she is today. In the Diné culture, familial relationships are very important, and she spent time with maternal aunts, who were highly skilled silversmiths and artists. AJ was encouraged to begin creating quite early in life and under the guidance of her aunt Lorraine Hesuse, she learned the skill of beading, her sister Cheryl taught me the basics of silversmithing. These skills were gifted to her, and one day, she will teach her niece, and her children. Design has permeated her life from its beginning and has evolved into using it to bring the spotlight to the Native community through awareness and education. She is a ray of Sunshine checking in from the Four Corners!

Check out Club Chat:

https://podcasts.apple.com/.../club-chat/id1855713264

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1d2RQA4sEhuFxHke4Tj1T2

Six Nations Investigating Paranormal Encounters (SNIPE) takes an indigenous approach to beliefs about the paranormal, history of accounts, and anomalous phenomena.

In this Episode I speak with two members of the SNIPE team, Jay Smith (Six Nations Mohawk, Turtle Clan) Artie Aríhwaiens Martin (Six Nations Mohawk, Bear Clan)

SNIPE's Mission is to investigate the paranormal using a good mind with respect and kindness being paramount, share our findings and experiences openly and honestly—and, inspire indigenous people of all ages to be proud of their peoples' unique world views.

The SNIPE team's work has led them to landing a show on the Canadian Broadcast network APTN +

Ghost Hunters of the Grand River follows a group of Six Nations ghost hunters (better known as S.N.I.P.E.) who have dedicated their very existence to gathering evidence from the world of ghost stories, paranormal encounters and the unexplainable. Follow along as they investigate haunted homes, hotels, museums and more!

Ghost Hunters of the Grand River is in it's 5th Season. You can find it on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN+)

For Merchandise and other information about SNIPE

https://snipehq.ca/

Michelle "Kaluhyanu:wes " Schenandoah is an inspirational speaker, writer, thought leader and traditional member of the Onʌyota’:aka (Oneida) Nation Wolf Clan of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. She is the founder of Rematriation, Raised in a family of traditional leadership, she carries the values and responsibilities of being a Haudenosaunee Woman. Inspired by her grandmother, Michelle carries her ancestors’ passion to Rematriate her people’s lands and bring about the truthful telling of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s influence on the world.

Michelle recently launched Rematriated Voices, a first-of-its-kind five-part talk show premiering on New York PBS affiliate WCNY this past Indigenous Peoples’ Day, October 13, 2025.

Hosted by Michelle, the series brings together some of the most influential Indigenous voices of our time to share knowledge, values, and solutions urgently needed in a world grappling with division, ecological crisis, and social upheaval.

Each episode highlights how Haudenosaunee principles,rooted in matrilineal culture, ecological balance, and collectiveresponsibility, offer powerful frameworks for addressing issues such as democracy, land justice, food sovereignty, and the societal obligations to future generations.Partnerships& Accessibility

Produced incollaboration with Access Audio, a storytelling initiative from the Special Collections Research Center at Syracuse University Libraries, the series will also be available through public radio programming and companion podcast onYouTube, Spotify, Apple and all major podcast platforms.

 Following the debut episode, weekly episodes will air on WCNY at 8pm every Saturday beginningNovember 8 through November 29, 2025.

A trailer for theseries is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uq135wI0qzY

All episodes willbe available for streaming here: https://www.pbs.org/video/mother-law-the-doctrine-of-discovery-kjxnu3/

https://rematriation.com/

Delbert Anderson (Diné Nation)

https://delbertanderson.com/welcome

Delbert Anderson, a Diné jazz trumpet artist, composer, and educator, stands at the forefront of a vibrant Native American jazz scene. His work, deeply rooted in his Diné heritage, seamlessly integrates Navajo "spinning songs" of love, healing, and courtship with jazz and funk, thus marking him as a community-minded Indigenous individualist. Through his Delbert Anderson Quartet, Anderson revives the improvised sounds of the Diné circle, blending them with jazz, funk, and hip-hop. His compositions are inspired by Navajo Nation landscapes, historical events, and the desire to preserve and educate about Diné history.

https://delbertanderson.com/music