Museum of Indian Arts and Culture | February 2026

MIAC launched 2026 with a strong lineup of educational and public programs that continue to highlight the museum’s mission of cultural stewardship and community engagement. In January, the museum hosted an artist talk with Shayla Blatchford (Diné), whose powerful photography documents the legacy of uranium mining on the Navajo Nation. The education team also welcomed numerous student groups through school tours and strengthened institutional collaborations with the Santa Fe Indian School and the Junior Achievement Job Shadow Program.

Exhibitions remain a major draw. Makowa: The Worlds Above Us continues to engage audiences with its blend of Indigenous astronomy and science, and is scheduled to travel next year to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures continues to amplify Native voices addressing climate change and environmental justice through traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary art. Looking ahead, MIAC is developing an America 250 exhibition that will open this summer, featuring historical artworks portraying the American flag alongside contemporary photography by acclaimed Tlingit and Cherokee artist Zoe Urness.

As part of a renewed effort to strengthen relationships with Native communities, MNMF recently provided complimentary memberships to all members of MIAC’s Indian Advisory Panel. At the state level, MIAC’s $1.5 million special appropriation request to support ongoing NAGPRA repatriation efforts has been cleared through the House Finance Committee and now awaits full legislative approval. The museum was awarded $2.5 million last year for these efforts and has already encumbered over 80 percent of those funds.

February events include Sunday Funday on February 2, hands-on learning sessions throughout the month, a Native Narratives Speaker Series lecture by Dr. Jennifer Denetdale (Diné) on February 16, and a curator-led tour of Makowa on February 23.

As of now, MIAC must still raise $43,000 to meet its FY26 goal. This includes $26,000 for the Cultural Stewardship Fund, $10,000 for acquisitions, $7,000 for the Della Warrior Endowment Fund, and $5,000 for the School Bus Fund. Trustees are encouraged to help close this gap through personal gifts and by identifying prospective supporters who share MIAC’s vision for ethical museum practice, Native arts acquisition, and cultural education.

To support the Museum’s Exhibition Development, Education and Cultural Stewardship Funds, please contact Lauren Paige at lauren@museumfoundation.org, or by phone at 505.982.2282.