First of All
This year’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence, with the theme “Native Resistance,” explores the powerful – and varied – ways that resistance manifests. This four day celebration is a collaboration on current issues affecting Indigenous communities between Urban Native Collective, 21c Museum Hotel and the Contemporary Arts Center.
“21c and the CAC have been incredible partners to the Urban Native Collective for many years,” says Briana Mazzolini-Blanchard, executive director of Urban Native Collective (UNC). “Their allyship has allowed us to amplify contemporary Indigeneity in many different ways and their locations, in downtown Cincinnati, are perfect for drawing in all of the region's creatives. We are thrilled to work with both museums for our 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day exhibition.”
The weekend’s programming is designed to amplify authentic Indigenous voices and highlight Native Peoples working and creating today.
“UNC is a wonderful community partner,” says Shawnee Turner, the CAC’s chief of Interpretation and experience. “We began working with them on our land acknowledgment statement in 2020 and resumed the relationship earlier this year for programming.”
The weekend begins with an opening party at the Contemporary Arts Center and an exhibition opening at the 21C Museum Hotel, on Friday, Oct. 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. This event will showcase the work of Indigenous artists and feature performances from the Copper Face United Powwow Dancers and DJ Creepingbear. Indigenous Chef will serve a select menu of food items for purchase.
“In our exhibition, folks can expect to see everything from photography and paintings, to video media, sculptures, and traditional beadwork,” says Mazzolini-Blanchard. “People will also experience traditional pow wow drumming, dancing, and singing at our exhibition opening party.”
“UNC is an important partner for the CAC because of the alignment in our missions,” says Turner. “We believe wholeheartedly in the organization's mission to preserve and represent the culture and heritage of Indigenous and provide education and advocacy. While we do not have a collection of art that includes Indigenous artworks, it is important that as we work contemporary Indigenous artists we seek the counsel of community partners, like UNC.”
On Saturday, the Artist Speaker series at 21c holds artist’s talks about the “Native Resistance” exhibition from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
“Our hope is that people attending our Indigenous Peoples’ Day Convergence experience contemporary Indigeneity and Native Resistance in all of its forms: in our art, our community, our food, our joy, our music, our dancing, our singing, our culture, and ultimately our existence,” says Mazzolini-Blanchard.
On Monday, Oct. 14, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the community is invited to a potluck dinner in Jacob Hoffner Park in Northside from 5 to 9 p.m. UNC organizers are encouraging participants to bring a traditional dish from their respective cultures to share, plus eating utensils to reduce waste, and a blanket/lawn chair. Copper Face United Powwow Dancers will perform from 6 to 8 p.m.
UNC serves the broad interests of Indigenous Peoples throughout Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The UNC Community Center, The Native Sovereignty Center (1710 Blue Rock St.), houses an Indigenous Pages Lending Library and also holds events throughout the year.