News from MIAC/Lab

SEPTEMBER 30, 2025

SANTA FE, NM — The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture (MIAC) is proud to announce the opening of Essential Elements: Art, Environment, and Indigenous Futures, a powerful new exhibition examining climate change and environmental degradation through the lens of Native art and traditional ecological knowledge. The exhibition opens in October 2025 in the JoAnn and Bob Balzer Native Market and Contemporary Art Gallery, coinciding with the museum’s Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration on Sunday, October 12, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Essential Elements centers around the four classical elements—Earth, Air, Fire, and Water—which are vital not only to sustaining life, but also to Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices. The exhibition showcases how Native artists are responding to the climate crisis, sounding the alarm through creative expression, and advocating for environmental justice and Indigenous futures. 

 Featured artists include:

 Leah Mata Fragua

Michael Namingha

Shayla Blatchford 

Mallery Quetawki 

Tony Abeyta 

Rowan Harrison 

Bob Haozous

Cannupa Hanska Luger – whose short film New Myth will be screened as part of the exhibition. 

 “Indigenous communities are on the frontlines of the climate crisis,” said Danyelle Means, Executive Director of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. “Essential Elements uplifts the voices of Native artists who are drawing on traditional knowledge to confront the realities of environmental change. This exhibition challenges all of us to see the deep interconnection between culture, land, and sustainability, and to act before more is lost.” 

 Through works that span visual art, film, and community-based practice, Essential Elements confronts the devastating effects of drought, wildfires, extractive industries, and biodiversity loss. At the same time, it honors the resilience and innovation of Indigenous knowledge systems that offer pathways toward sustainable futures. 

 In honor of Indigenous Peoples Day and the opening of Essential Elements, MIAC invites the public to a full day of family-friendly programs honoring Indigenous culture and environmental stewardship: 

 All Day: Air-dry clay activities under the Outdoor Ramada 

 All Day: Bundle Indian Tea (Cota) gathered in MIAC’s backyard 

 10:30–11 a.m.: Storytelling for children – Roland’s Discovery Center 

11 a.m.–noon: Native Dance Series: White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers – Milner Plaza 

 noon–1 p.m.: Free Pueblo Food – Meem Auditorium

1–2 p.m.: Presentation by Kenny Duncan (San Carlos Apache): Apache Culture and Traditions 

2–3 p.m.: Native Dance Series (Encore): White Mountain Apache Crown Dancers 

3–4 p.m.: Tour of Essential Elements with Head of Curatorial Affairs Elisa Phelps

Free admission to MIAC on October 12 is made possible by the generosity of Sandia Resort and Casino and the Pueblo of Sandia. 

 About the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture 

The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, under the leadership of the Board of Regents for the Museum of New Mexico. Programs and exhibits are generously supported by the Museum of New Mexico Foundation and our donors. The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.