Native Culture in Action

In celebrating Indigenous expressiveness and cultural enrichment, we are excited to spotlight three more fellows from the Cultural Capital (CC) and Artist in Business Leadership (ABL) programs.

The following artists represent how Indigenous creativity thrives through each fellow participating in our fellowships. These artists come from varying backgrounds and artistic fields and showcase a deep passion for their craft and community. 

Cultural Capital

Jason Garcia, a Santa Clara Pueblo CC fellow, is working on a project that challenges the historical narrative surrounding artist Georgia O'Keeffe's depiction of Tsí Pín (Tewa)/Cerro Pedernal in northern New Mexico. This initiative marks the first time a Tewa artist has critically examined O'Keeffe's assertion of ownership over the Tewa landscape, addressing the broader context of settler colonialism in the region.

“I think knowledge of land and then also the transference of knowledge while also using Tewa place names is essential for having this type of work that we're working on. Names aren't necessarily used as often as they should be,” Garcia said. 

“I think knowledge of land and then also the transference of knowledge while also using Tewa place names is essential for having this type of work that we're working on. Names aren't necessarily used as often as they should be,” Garcia said. 

This initiative aims to highlight historical truths and reclaim the cultural significance of Tsí Pín within the Tewa world, while challenging the dominant narrative of "O'Keeffe Country" and bringing visibility to O'Keeffe's erasure of Tewa people and landscapes. 

“I think that's part of understanding place names and also sharing some of the places that we're visiting. There are some collaborators who are involved in the project that haven't visited some of the locations that we've seen so far. So I think that's been really good to share that intergenerational knowledge as well,” Garcia said. 

“I think that's part of understanding place names and also sharing some of the places that we're visiting. There are some collaborators who are involved in the project that haven't visited some of the locations that we've seen so far. So I think that's been really good to share that intergenerational knowledge as well,” Garcia said. 

By documenting his journey and the project's process through a Tewa perspective, Garcia wants to educate the public about the history and cultural significance of Tsí Pín.

Artist in Business Leadership

ABL fellow Nena Howell, from the Tlingit community, channels her connections to nature into contemporary oil paintings that blend Tlingit form line art with abstract elements. Her dynamic compositions celebrate and steward all sentient life, inviting viewers to explore timeless cultural narratives.

“I've been having responses where people feel what I feel when I'm working, like a kind of airiness. It's almost like I'm lighter in my body working. A couple of people said that's what they felt when they purchased my work. They felt a bright future when they saw my work,” Howell said. 

“I've been having responses where people feel what I feel when I'm working, like a kind of airiness. It's almost like I'm lighter in my body working. A couple of people said that's what they felt when they purchased my work. They felt a bright future when they saw my work,” Howell said. 

Howell’s project is to develop a Shopify webshop to connect with collectors and artists in her rural community and the Pacific Northwest, featuring photos, descriptions, packaging, and framing materials, supported by a direct mail flier and catalog. 

“I have a large background in marketing, I think from the cultural preservation aspect, I will have a different strategy than most people. I have a broader audience to share our beautiful work with and the collaborative work of first people,” Howell said.

“I have a large background in marketing, I think from the cultural preservation aspect, I will have a different strategy than most people. I have a broader audience to share our beautiful work with and the collaborative work of first people,” Howell said.

Committed to her rural community, Howell will share best practices and knowledge through online posts and direct invites.

Tiffany Adams, a multi-talented artist of Chemehuevi, koyoomk'awi, and Nisenan heritage, brings a diverse range of skills to her journey as an Artist in Business Leadership Fellow. Her primary mediums include jewelry, and traditional and contemporary finery, incorporating local materials such as abalone, feathers, and natural beads. Adams uses her art to spark conversations about Native issues and resource protection.

“To receive this [fellowship] at this time feels like it's going to give me the resources I need to take a break, do some research, get some training in my own business development, and get the tech that I need. It's very wonderful to be honored in that way and recognize the work I have been doing for the last 15-20 years and to give me this opportunity to grow my business and really settle into the next part of my development,” Adams said. 

“To receive this [fellowship] at this time feels like it's going to give me the resources I need to take a break, do some research, get some training in my own business development, and get the tech that I need. It's very wonderful to be honored in that way and recognize the work I have been doing for the last 15-20 years and to give me this opportunity to grow my business and really settle into the next part of my development,” Adams said. 

Adams aims to overcome the challenges of her art practice while maintaining cultural and community empowerment. After a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic to serve on her Tribal Council, she is ready to refresh her practice and build a sustainable business foundation. Her goals include creating a business plan with proper bookkeeping, updating technology to meet accessibility needs, and increasing her visibility on social media platforms.

“It's weird when you do art that's private like that isn't necessarily made for public consumption. But I do think it's important to acknowledge that they are happening, even if we're not on the cover of Vogue and all of that, it is still happening,” Adams said. 

“It's weird when you do art that's private like that isn't necessarily made for public consumption. But I do think it's important to acknowledge that they are happening, even if we're not on the cover of Vogue and all of that, it is still happening,” Adams said. 

With support from First Peoples Fund, she plans to purchase new technology, create a purchasing platform for her website, and receive training on content creation and social media management.

Each of these fellows symbolizes the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of Indigenous artists today. Through their unique perspectives and artistic mediums, Jason, Tiffany, and Nena are paving the way for future artists, ensuring Indigenous voices and traditions thrive in the modern artistic landscape.