Showing Up.
Ways to Support Indigenous Artists and Indigenous-led Organizations
PICA is committed to working with Indigenous artists, locally and internationally, throughout the year. For this resources-focused post, we highlight some of the artists and Indigenous-led organizations we encourage you to learn about, give back to, and support. This is by no means a complete list but a small step on a path toward recognition and repair.
*All blurbs below are from the sources linked.
Screenshot from knowledgeofwounds.com/calendar
Knowledge of Wounds is an independent, Indigenous-led gathering space, co-curated by SJ Norman and Joseph M. Pierce. It is a partnership between PICA, Performance Space New York, Performance Space Australia, Ballroom Marfa, The Momentary, and Blakdance. You can support Knowledge of Wounds by donating to the Knowledge of Wounds Accessibility Fund.
First Nations Performing Arts (FNPA) is focused on cultural change, commissioning, touring, and presenting Indigenous performance, and capacity building for the Indigenous and non-indigenous performing arts sectors. FNPA seeks to be the Indigenous-led initiative that makes visible, public, and transparent the urgent decolonizing work the performing arts field in what is currently called the US must do. Click here to learn about how FNPA is committed to action.
Screenshot from nativeartsandcultures.org homepage
Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) announced the release of The Larger Voice: Celebrating the Work of Native Arts and Cultures Foundation Literature Fellows. This is the first publication by NACF that highlights the work of many of their National Artist Fellows in literature.
It’s time to restore recognition for the Chinook Indian Nation. This nation has been unable to access programs and resources to which federally recognized tribes are entitled. Over the last 20 years, the lack of official recognition has cost economic and educational opportunities and countless lives. There are many ways to support the Chinook Indian Nation, including signing a petition to support federal recognition of the Chinook Indian Nation, writing legislation, and through direct donations.
Screenshot from Our Land - English Read Aloud
The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal History curriculum unit was created from the need for a historically accurate and culturally relevant curriculum in Oregon schools about Oregon Native Americans and as a response to countless requests from Oregon teachers for classroom-ready materials on Native Americans.
Support Indigenous Artists
Read:
• For Zitkála-Šá, a series of scores by Raven Chacon
• WE LEFT THEM NOTHING by Demian DinéYazhi´
• Permafrost by S.J. Norman
• Argentine Intimacies: Queer Kinship in an Age of Splendor, 1890−1910 by Joseph M. Pierce
Listen:
• Elisa Harkins’ Bandcamp
• “collapse anatomy” by kevin holden and burke jam
• Unheard Records, co-founded by Kite and Mint Park
• “Through The Battle Smoke” by Kunu
• Laura Ortman’s Bandcamp
• “They Can Never Burn the Stars” by Chloe Alexandra Thompson
Shop:
• QUEER HORROR by Anthony Hudson/ Carla Rossi
• RISE: Radical Indigenous Survivance & Empowerment