November 3, 2020
Dallin Maybee
Las Vegas, N.M. – New Mexico Highlands University presents a virtual conversation Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. titled, “Art and Activism: An Indigenous Voice,” with Dallin Maybee of the Northern Arapaho and Seneca nations.
Maybee, an artist who is an attorney and assistant director of development for the Native American Rights Fund, will join in conversation with Rebecca Maldonado Moore, a social work professor at Highlands who is a member of the Northern Arapaho nation.
In his artist’s statement, Maybee wrote: “For many reasons, I love the way in which utilitarian objects were created as beautifully as possible. Horn spoons, shirts and dresses, and lodge interiors were testaments to creativity, vision precision and fine art.
“Just as our ancestors have been models of resilience an endurance, our culture has endured. Many things have bombarded our peoples over many generations, but we persist. Our strength is in our warrior spirit, humor and family,” Maybee wrote.
The Zoom link for the indigenous art and activism event is https://nmhu.zoom.us/j/5054262053
The Highlands University President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is sponsoring Maybee’s talk as part of a series of events for Indigenous People’s Month in November. The title of the series is “Indigenous Voices – Counter Narratives.” More events will be announced as the schedule is finalized.
“As an attorney, Maybee’s work at the Native American Rights Fund addresses tribal sovereignty, which includes treaty rights and contemporary issues impacting Indigenous America,” said Moore, who is vice chair of the Highlands University President’s Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “As an artist, Maybee’s work reflects the challenges of Indigenous people and their perseverance.”
Moore said previously, Maybee was the executive director for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. This Native arts and cultures advocacy organization is best known for its planning and staging of the annual Santa Fe Indian Market.
“The goal of the “Indigenous Voices – Counter Narratives” series is to raise awareness about the diversity of American Indian people and their political challenges,” Moore said. “Foremost, we’ve been able to survive despite colonization and attempts at social genocide. The counter narratives tell our stories.”
Moore is also this year’s President’s Leadership Fellow at Highlands.