MINNEAPOLIS—May 16, 2018— This June, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) presents “Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ,” a new exhibition that 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). The exhibition features more than 20 artworks—including paintings, textiles, film, and beadwork—by leading contemporary Native American artists. “Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ” is on view from June 9, 2018, through February 3, 2019.
The Dakhóta, Nakhóta, and Lakȟóta people of Očhéthi Šakówiŋ often refer to horses as Šúŋkawakȟáŋ Oyáte (Horse Nation). After their arrival on the Great Plains in the 1800s, horses revolutionized life for the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ. They served as allies in hunting and in battle, but they were revered for more than merely their utility. Horses were, and still are, recognized as relatives and are vital members of the community.
This nationally touring exhibition honors Horse Nation through the voices and perspectives of the people of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ. Organizers of the exhibition—The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School, Keith BraveHeart, and featured artists—spent nearly two years gathering stories and reflections as a community-influenced project. The resulting exhibition showcases the works of art dedicated to Horse Nation. In Minneapolis, the final stop of the exhibition tour, selections of work from the original exhibition will be on view at Mia, All My Relations Gallery, and Two Rivers Gallery.
“We are delighted that ‘Horse Nation’s’ final venues are in Dakhóta homeland and for the opportunity to work with this extraordinary team of curators, collaborators, and artists that created this exhibit to celebrate the power of Horse Nation,” said Jill Ahlberg Yohe, associate curator of Native American art at Mia.
Highlights from Mia’s exhibition include an early painting (1971) by renowned Lakȟóta artist Arthur Amiotte, stunning horse masks, contemporary beadwork, and depictions of horses in paintings, prints, and photography. Additionally, Mia will debut Inspired (2018), a new film by artist and filmmaker Keith BraveHeart that traces the journey of the exhibition.
Related Mia programming includes a free Family Day celebrating the horse on Sunday, September 9. For this event, Mia has partnered with Dakota Wichohan to bring horses and their young riders to the museum.
Concurrent to the exhibition at Mia, All My Relations Gallery (June 7–October 8, 2018) and Two Rivers Gallery (July 2–October 19, 2018) in Minneapolis will also have exhibitions dedicated to Horse Nation.
“Horse Nation of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ” is organized by The Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School with support from Red Cloud Indian School, Inc., Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, South Dakota Humanities Council, Black Hills Community Foundation, Joyce Dobbert, Center for American Indian Research and Native Studies, and Racing Magpie LLC.
Additional information on Očhéthi Šakówiƞ
Očhéthi Šakówiƞ means “Seven Council Fires,” a term the nation prefers to Sioux. Seven is a significant number for the people of the Očhéthi Šakówiƞ, which is made up of seven (šakówiƞ) member bands. Though their language has a common root, the bands developed their own dialects over time and geographic migration. Three dialects distinguish the Dakhóta, Nakhóta, and Lakȟóta people.
 
The Ochéthi Śakówiƞ continues to exist today, ever adapting to the needs of contemporary Dakhóta, Nakhóta, and Lakȟóta people.