Considering the Unites States history of working with the indigenous population, there are far too many horror stories of broken treaties and of hideous treatment of these people. For a Christmas Newsletter, it is worth noting a few feel-good stories that prove partnerships really can work.

To date, the ATADA Voluntary Returns program (The Authentic Tribal Art Dealers Association) has helped facilitate the return of over 350 important sacred and ceremonial objects. This vital work continues to build positive relationships between communities. We remain committed to the idea that working together is the best way to bridge divides and forge a better world for all people.

The Northwest Coast Hall at the American Museum of Natural History in New York, originally installed in 1899 by anthropologist Franz Boas, has undergone a significant renovation and reinstallation. The revitalized hall reopened to the public on May 13, 2022, after over 120 years.

Re-Installation Curators

Haa'yuups (Ron Hamilton) of the Hupacasath First Nation and Dr. Peter Whitely, curator at the American Museum of Natural History, led the five-year, $19-million renovation of the Northwest Coast Hall. Haa'yuups served as co-organizer of the renovation project and co-curator of the "Our Voices" exhibit, despite his belief that Indigenous artifacts should be returned to their communities.

Key Features of the Reinstallation

Indigenous Collaboration: The project involved 10 consulting curators from First Nation communities across the Northwest coast, aiming to incorporate Indigenous voices and perspectives into the exhibit. Cultural Representation: The collaboration helped to present varied indigenous communities as distinct and living cultures, moving away from a singular ethnographic representation.

Expanded Collection: The updated hall displays over 1,000 works of art, including a 37-foot Nuu-chah-nulth ceremonial wolf curtain and a 63-foot-long Northwest coast canoe.

Conservation Efforts: The project included the conservation and digital cataloging of approximately 1,800 objects from the collection.

Contemporary Art: The revamped hall incorporates works by contemporary Native American artists, showcasing the ongoing vitality of Indigenous cultures.

Educational Focus: The reinstallation aims to better present the varied indigenous communities as distinct and living cultures, moving away from a singular ethnographic representation.

Object Context: First Nation representatives provided cultural context and historical information about the artifacts, enhancing the educational value of the exhibit.

Repatriation Discussions: The collaboration led to discussions about repatriation of cultural objects, with the museum agreeing to limited repatriation for the consulting curators' nations.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite these positive impacts, the collaboration was not without challenges. Some Indigenous collaborators, like Ḥaa'yuups, a Nuu-chah-nulth artist and co-curator, expressed frustration with the process, feeling their role was more limited than they had hoped. This highlights the ongoing complexities in balancing museum practices with Indigenous perspectives and ownership of cultural heritage. The project also faced challenges related to the complex history of object acquisition and the ongoing debate about repatriation of cultural items.

Impact and Significance

The re-installation of the Northwest Coast Hall represents an attempt to address the colonial history of museum collections while preserving their educational value. It aims to provide a more equitable representation of Indigenous cultures, building on Boas' original revolutionary approach of displaying objects by community rather than function.

Toadlena is a small community located in the Navajo Nation, specifically in San Juan County, New Mexico. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant tradition of Navajo weaving, particularly the "Two Grey Hills" style of rugs.

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Toadlena Trading Post

Overview: The Toadlena Trading Post, established in the 1870s, serves as a hub for authentic Navajo textiles and crafts. It operates directly with local weavers and their families, providing a unique opportunity to acquire high-quality rugs and other handicrafts. The trading post is not only a commercial space, but also a cultural center that preserves and promotes the art of Navajo weaving. Features:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPUiqhv-_uo

Navajo Rugs: The trading post offers a selection of exquisite handmade Navajo rugs, showcasing the skill and artistry of master weavers like Clara Sherman and her family.
Weaving Museum: The Toadlena Weaving Museum features significant exhibits, including the "Dances With Wool" display, which highlights the integration of traditional sandpainting motifs into textiles. This museum celebrates both historical and contemporary weaving practices.

Owner - Mark Winter

Mark Winter has been the owner and operator of the Toadlena Trading Post since 1997, when he acquired the lease from the Navajo Nation. Located in western New Mexico, Toadlena is a historic site that has been in operation since 1909. Winter's career in Native American art began in 1969, when he started selling Indian jewelry. He initially sold to celebrities like Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, and Sonny and Cher before developing an interest in Navajo rugs and blankets. At Toadlena, Winter has focused on preserving and promoting the Two Grey Hills style of Navajo weaving.

Accomplishments

Traced the genealogy of the region's artists in his book "The Master Weavers".

Supported about 100 weavers with supplies and a market for their creations.

Sold approximately 8,500 rugs and blankets.

Invested over $6 million in the area's artists that live within 15 miles of the trading post.

Winter has also established the Two Grey Hills Weaving Museum at the trading post, showcasing old photographs of weavers, weaver genealogies, and spectacular rugs. His efforts have significantly changed how the community and the world view Toadlena weavers, elevating their status and increasing the value of their work. Under Winter's management, Toadlena Trading Post serves as a grocery store, bank, post office, and cultural center for the local community. His work has been instrumental in preserving the weaving tradition and supporting the local economy in this remote area of the Navajo Nation.

Community Significance

Toadlena is part of the Two Grey Hills region, which is renowned for producing some of the highest quality Navajo rugs. The community has historical importance, as it was one of the first locations where the Navajo Nation Council convened in the early 1900s.

The local economy supports not only weaving, but also provides essential services to residents, such as groceries and banking.

During COVID, from 2020 to 2022, Toadlena’s non-profit organization Blessingway Foundation handed out over $350,000 worth of food to the struggling Navajos.

Navajo lined up for Toadlena’s food pickup during COVID.

Navajo’s favorite Blue Bird flour ready for distribution.

Food bags donated by the the **Santa Fe Folk Art Festival** is ready to be loaded.

Location and Accessibility

Toadlena is located approximately 35 miles south of Shiprock, New Mexico. Visitors can access the trading post by turning west from Highway 491 at the Shell Gas Station and following signs to the post. The trading post is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM and on Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM during summer months

In summary, Toadlena stands as a vibrant community that embodies the rich traditions of Navajo culture through its weaving practices and trading post activities, making it an essential destination for those interested in Native American art and heritage.

Partnering with the Indians - Can it Happen?