Panel discussion on “Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ”
To celebrate “Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ,” join us for a panel presentation with artists Arthur Amiotte, Keith BraveHeart, Ashley Pourier, and Gwen Westerman, on view now at three Minneapolis arts institutions: Mia, Two Rivers Gallery, and All My Relations Gallery. Horse Nation explores how horses shape the history, spirituality, and culture of the Dakhóta, Nakhóta, and Lakȟóta (Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota) people, collectively known as the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Seven Council Fires). Horses serve as allies in hunting and in battle, but are revered for more than their utility. Horses were, and still are, recognized as relatives and are vital members of the community.
Arthur Amiotte, an Oglala Lakota artist, historian and educator, is a highly sought-after author and lecturer on Native American arts. Amiotte’s work has since been showcased in more than 100 state, national and international exhibits, including permanent collections at the Smithsonian and the U.S. Department of the Interior. He has received dozens of prestigious awards including an artist fellowship from the Bush Foundation and Artist of the Year by the South Dakota Hall of Fame, as well as three honorary doctorate degrees. He is one of the most influential artist paving the way for contemporary Native American art.
Born in 1983, Keith BraveHeart grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation, Kyle, S.D. BraveHeart is a citizen of the Titonwan (Lakota) Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Seven Council Fires Confederacy, once referred to as the Sioux. BraveHeart received his BFA from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, NM, and his Masters in Fine Arts from the University of South Dakota. In 2014, BraveHeart produced the documentary film, We Are A Horse Nation. This documentary film served to celebrate and encourage the voices of grassroots communities that represent tribal homelands across the Plains region. In 2015, BraveHeart, in partnership with the Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School (Pine Ridge, SD), expanded the concept into a traveling exhibition. An active artist and advocate for contemporary Native art, BraveHeart’s vision looks to support and present cultural perspectives of art, culture, and community.
Ashley Pourier (Oglala Lakota), Curator of The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School. Born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation with Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After undergrad, Ashley then returned home to serve her community. She began her work as an intern at The Heritage Center, advancing her way through roles, ultimately taking on the task of Curator.
A poet and fiber artist, Gwen Nell Westerman lives in southern Minnesota, as did her Dakota ancestors. Her roots are deep in the landscape of the tallgrass prairie, and reveal themselves in her art and writing through the languages and traditions of her family. She is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate.
$10, $5 My Mia members, free to members of the Native American Art Affinity Group. Register online or call 612.870.6323. Tickets available August 13.