Museum of Indian Arts and Culture | December 2025

As the year winds down, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture continues to serve as a vital space for community engagement, education, and cultural celebration. In November, the museum hosted a zine workshop led by Andi Murphy (Diné), a live pottery demonstration by Clarence Cruz (Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo), and a public curator tour of Makowa: The Worlds Above Us with Marlon Magdalena (Jemez Pueblo) among numerous school and Tribal senior center tours.

In early November the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture hosted a three-day convening for Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and designated NAGPRA representatives on November 5–7, 2025 in Santa Fe. The gathering focused on collaboration, open dialogue, and government-to-government consultation regarding updated NAGPRA regulations, including Duty of Care requirements, implementation timelines, and repatriation priorities. The convening featured a welcome reception, full-day working sessions, facilitated discussions with DCA leadership and external partners, and focused breakout conversations to support respectful and efficient compliance practices. Travel and participation support were made available through a legislative appropriation that strengthens DCA’s capacity for this critical work.

The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture is busy hosting numerous Tribal consultation visits each month, inviting elders, Governors and key Tribal members into conversations about conservation, collections care, exhibition planning, educational programming, research and more. The Museum of New Mexico Foundation invites supporters to strengthen this vital work through contributions to the Cultural Stewardship Fund. Philanthropic gifts ensure Tribal voices lead decisions regarding collections care, repatriation, and program development. Donations help cover travel, lodging, honoraria, and hospitality expenses that enable meaningful in-person consultation and partnership. A single visit can exceed $30,000 in direct costs, which underscores the importance of this fund in supporting cultural responsibility and respect. Please consider making a charitable gift to the Cultural Stewardship Fund today to help MIAC continue honoring the knowledge, sovereignty, and leadership of the Native communities at the heart of its mission. Click here to donate online or click here to learn more about the many ways to give.

December programming continues that momentum with seasonal events, including the museum’s beloved Holiday Winter Stroll and opportunities for visitors to engage with Indigenous artists and curators. Trustees are encouraged to support MIAC’s year-end giving priorities, in-particular the School Bus Fund, which makes it possible for students across New Mexico to experience MIAC’s exhibitions and programs in person.

Upcoming Events at MIAC – December 2025

• Saturday, December 13, 2:00–6:00 PM – Annual Holiday Winter Stroll on Museum Hill | Celebrate the season with family-friendly art-making, dance, music, and festive refreshments across Museum Hill.
  • Make Your Own Gingerbread House, 2:00–4:00 PM, MIAC Education Classroom
  • La Pastorela Cómica (bilingual holiday play), 3:00 PM & 5:00 PM, MOIFA Auditorium
  • Jaguar Guitar Orchestra (Capital High School), 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM & 5:00 PM, MOIFA Atrium
  • Holiday Card Printmaking Workshop, 4:00–6:00 PM, MIAC Education Classroom
  • Northern Southern Dance Group (Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo), 3:30 PM & 4:30 PM, Milner Plaza
  • Piñata Breaking, 5:45 PM, MOIFA Atrium
  • Farolito Lighting at dusk with festive refreshments
• Wednesday, December 17, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM – Pottery Demonstration | Featuring Jerry Dunbar (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo) in the Buchsbaum Gallery of Southwestern Pottery
• Sunday, December 21, beginning at 7:00 AM – Winter Solstice Program | Begin the day with stargazing, storytelling, and guided exhibition tours.
  • Telescopes and hot beverages available in the early morning
  • Storytelling with Sunny Dooley (Diné) at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
  • Guided tours of Makowa and hands-on activities throughout the day
• Saturday, December 28, 12:00–1:00 PM – Curator-Led Tour of Makowa: The Worlds Above Us | Led by Marlon Magdalena (Jemez Pueblo)

To contribute before year-end or learn more, please visit museumfoundation.org/give-miac.

To support MIAC’s Exhibition Development, Education and Cultural Stewardship Funds, please contact Lauren Paige at [email protected], or by phone at 505.982.2282.