Treaties are living documents that continue to serve as legally binding agreements shaping the political relationship between Native Nations and the United States government. These agreements established land boundaries, resource rights, and reservations; they determine Tribal Nation citizenship and outline mutual obligations. The influence of treaties, and the policies surrounding them, has had a profound impact on traditional and contemporary Indigenous life, art, and ways of making and knowing. By pairing treaties with historical and contemporary images and art objects, this exhibition explores how treaties continue to impact Native people and reverberate through Native creativity and expression.
Wiwahokichiyapi: They Promised Things to Each Other provides an overview of treaties in the United States, with a focus on those connected to our region. This exhibition is developed in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The Plains Art Museum partnered with Lakȟóta Archeologist Tyrel Iron Eyes and Giiwedinnong Treaty Museum’s Logan Monroe, Don Wedll, and Winona LaDuke. Their research and expertise informed and shaped the creation of this exhibition. Students from Concordia College’s Digital Design class designed a portion of the panels for this exhibit.
Wiwahokichiyapi: They Promised Things to Each Other is created by Plains Art Museum, Lakhota Archeologist Tyrel Iron Eyes, and the Giiwedinong Treaty Rights & Culture Museum in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. This exhibition, and all exhibitions at Plains Art Museum, are general admission free every day of the week. Special thanks to the Windrose Fund of Common Counsel Foundation, the Trout Lily Initiative, the Waterers, the Elmer and Kaya Berg Foundation, the Berg Legacy Fund, and the Ralph T. Coe Center for the Arts. Programming support is provided by Suzanne Senske.
Mikayla Patton, For Mom, 2023, Handmade paper, sweet grass dye, ash, india ink, beeswax, porcupine quills, and leather, 27 x 25 x 25 in.
Exhibition Tour
Thursday, November 12, 6-6:45 PM, Free
Build your understanding of treaties and their lasting significance for Indigenous life, art, creativity, and expression.