Stars, Stripes, and First Americans: Native Art and the American Flag at MIAC
The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe presents 'Stars, Stripes, and First Americans,' an exhibition examining Native American depictions of the American flag, on view from May 17, 2026, to March 7, 2027. The show, timed to the U.S. semiquincentennial, highlights that Native Americans were only granted citizenship 100 years ago and that the 1883 Code of Indian Offenses criminalized their cultural and religious practices. Works include Stan Natchez's mixed-media piece 'We The People' (1999), which overlays Native figures in flag colors on the U.S. Constitution, and Andersen Kee's 'Diné Code Talker' (2000), honoring Navajo servicemen who used their language in WWII. A beaded cowhide vest and deerskin pipe bag from the late 19th century, attributed to Lakota artists, are noted as powerful examples of covert cultural persistence. The exhibition also features a Diné belt buckle from circa 1976 and a weaving by Pauline Thomas depicting the Twin Towers against an American flag. While the show's small space limits depth, it effectively opens dialogue on symbolism, freedom, and Indigenous resilience.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Stars, Stripes, and First Americans' runs May 17, 2026–March 7, 2027 at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Santa Fe.
- The exhibition is timed to the U.S. 250th anniversary and notes that Native Americans have been citizens for only 100 years.
- The 1883 Code of Indian Offenses forced assimilation by outlawing Native cultural and religious practices.
- Stan Natchez (Shoshone/Tataviam) created 'We The People' (1999), a mixed-media work juxtaposing Native figures in flag colors with the U.S. Constitution.
- Andersen Kee (Diné) created 'Diné Code Talker' (2000), honoring Native American servicemen who used their languages in WWII.
- A beaded cowhide vest and deerskin pipe bag, attributed to Lakota artists (late 19th century), are highlighted as powerful works showing cultural persistence.
- A Diné belt buckle from circa 1976 and a weaving by Pauline Thomas (Diné) depicting the Twin Towers are also included.
- The exhibition occupies a modest space and could benefit from a larger footprint, but it opens important conversations.
Entities
Artists
- Stan Natchez
- Andersen Kee
- Pauline Thomas
- Artist once known (Taos Pueblo)
- Artist once known (Lakota)
- Artist once known (Diné)
Institutions
- Museum of Indian Arts and Culture
- Southwest Contemporary
Locations
- Santa Fe
- United States