Pine Springs Association

04/16/2026

Yes!

•••Calling on Tribal Leaders, Artists, and Community Advocates •••

Strong tribal leadership can make all the difference in supporting Native artists, culture bearers, and creative communities. As part of our “Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists” initiative, we are identifying tribal leaders doing stellar, inspiring work. We want to learn from them and celebrate their visionary leadership.

Who is doing it right?
Which tribal governments are actively investing in artists, protecting cultural knowledge, and creating opportunities for creativity to thrive?

We are currently:
🔹 Identifying tribal nations with stellar support for arts and culture
🔹 Inviting leaders to join us at our National Summit on September 21 in Spokane
🔹 Developing a Tribal Leadership Toolkit to share strategies, policies, and models that truly work

Your recommendations will help us highlight leadership, elevate success stories, and build resources that can benefit Native communities nationwide.

•Tag a tribe, leader, or program that deserves recognition
•Or share examples in the comments or via message

Let’s lift up the communities setting the standard and help create a stronger future for Native artists everywhere.

Photo: Compliments of the Osage Nation, Drum Circle from the 2022 Sesquicentennial
https://www.osageculture.com/culture/multimedia-collections/drum?utm_source=chatgpt.com

04/16/2026

Fyi...

DEADLINE EXTENDED 🚨

We’re excited to share that the deadline to apply for the following Native Forward scholarships has been extended to May 1st 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Scholarships include:
— Aerospace Career Enhancement (ACE)
— BIE Professional Development Funding for STEM Educators and Students
— Miller Indigenous Economic Development Fellowship
— PNM Education Endowment Part-Time Scholarship
— PNM Everett F. Chavez Memorial Scholarship

Access the application here: bit.ly/4snek5T

Questions? Please contact: [email protected]

04/16/2026

Fyi...

Save The Date 🪶

2026 Traditional Cultural Summit | 06/23-25/26

Join the Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services for a meaningful three-day gathering featuring cultural presentations, education sessions rooted in Diné teachings and philosophies, and holistic wellness services offered by DBMHS.

The agenda for this free community event is forthcoming. For more information, please contact DBMHS Prevention Specialist Wahaila Begaye at (928) 871-7937 or [email protected]. Ahéhee’ 🙏🏽

04/16/2026

Awesome!

On March 26–27, 2026, the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) community convened to celebrate the 2026 IAIA Presidential Inauguration of Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). The two-day event was an opportunity to honor Dr. Lowe, welcome her into the leadership role, and share a collective vision for IAIA’s future. The celebration began with a symposium, “Honoring Our Relations: Art, Memory, and Education.” Dr. Stephanie J. Waterman (Onondaga) delivered the keynote presentation, emphasizing Indigenous knowledge systems in higher education. She stated, “This is more than a trend. It’s a movement. It’s resistance.”

On the morning of March 27, the proceedings opened with a blessing led by Father Custer Lowe, Jr. (Navajo), followed by a traditional Navajo breakfast. The Investiture Ceremony commenced at 11:00 am, attended by nearly 400 community members. Dr. Heather Shotton (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes) reflected, “Ceremony marks beginnings, it marks the cycles of life that sustain us, important moments and milestones… This investiture is more than a formality; it is so much more than an academic ceremony. It is a powerful affirmation of a shared commitment to our collective futures… And there is no one better prepared to carry out that bold vision than Dr. Shelly Lowe.” Dr. Lowe shared, “It’s about what we can achieve together. It’s about drawing on our traditions and our cultures. It’s about our Communities supporting each other and healing each other. It’s about us making changes together.” The event concluded with a community luncheon and receptions, highlighting IAIA’s commitment to community, collaboration, and Indigenous creative excellence.

Read more and view the event videos on our website at https://iaia.edu/iaia-inaugurates-dr-shelly-c-lowe/

Image: Father Custer Lowe, Jr. (Navajo) and IAIA President Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), photograph by Jason S. Ordaz, Institute of American Indian Arts.

04/16/2026

Fyi...

Join us for an Earth Day Celebration on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.! Enjoy the outdoors and understand the importance of our Earth through planting and art activities! Program included with museum admission!

In Conjunction with Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures, on view in the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery.

04/16/2026

Yep...

Each year, ATALM sponsors a “Producers Workshop” presented by the award-winning producers of “Imagining the Indian.” The workshop covers every phase of filmmaking, from concept to completion, including funding. The 2026 workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22, in Spokane, WA.

We also sponsor a series of “Reel Talks” throughout the International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries & Museums. The Reel Talks feature short documentaries with a discussion panel.

It is our goal to help Native creators shape their own narratives, build production capacity, and bring forward stories that have too often been left untold or misrepresented by others.

Indigenous productions have the ability to change that. When Native filmmakers lead, storytelling becomes an act of reclamation.

This is how we begin to shift decades of misrepresentation. Not by asking for space, but by creating it.

The workshop is described in fuller detail in the ATALM2026 program book on page 15. It is workshop 11. It is $50 a person and includes lunch.

Program:https://www.atalm.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/ATALM2026-Preliminary-Program_APRIL-14.pdf

Registration, including Single Events: https://www.atalm.org/conference-2026/registration-rates/

Conference website: https://www.atalm.org/conference-2026/

04/16/2026

Fyi...

04/16/2026

Maybe Pine Springs can get involved?

Institutions large and small examine the complicated history of the iconic corridor that helped define the American road trip.

04/16/2026

Nizhoniyee

08/09/2025

Fyi...

🎶 Get ready to experience an incredible lineup of talented performers at the 2025 Pathways Indigenous Arts Festival! From powerful singers and musicians to captivating dancers and storytellers, our stages will be alive with the vibrant spirit and rich traditions of Indigenous culture. 🔥

🌟 Special Highlight: Sky City Buffalo/Ram Dance Group — bringing the strength and beauty of Acoma Pueblo’s heritage to life through their dynamic dance performance.

📅 Saturday, August 16, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM
📍 Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration of Indigenous artistry and culture!

08/09/2025

Awesome!