Sandra Hale Schulman
ICT
Art Exhibitions: Raven Halfmoon at Kemper Museum
The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art in Kansas City, Missouri, is hosting the exhibition “Raven Halfmoon: Ride or Die,” featuring the significant sculptural works of Raven Halfmoon, a member of the Caddo Nation. This solo exhibition is open from November 14 through April 19 and showcases five large-scale, site-responsive sculptures that reflect her innovative use of clay.
Halfmoon’s artistic journey reflects a powerful evolution. Her new exhibition emphasizes her transition to creating bold, expressive figures that confront colonial narratives, embracing themes of control, protection, and power through Indigenous perspectives. One standout piece, a large sculpture of a bucking horse, is inspired by Cyrus Dallin’s controversial statue titled The Scout (1921), which is located in Kansas City’s Penn Valley Park. While Dallin’s work reinforces outdated views of Native peoples, Halfmoon’s response represents a rebellious and liberated interpretation of Indigenous identity.
“When I was traveling through Kansas City, I was struck by a statue titled ‘The Scout’ by Cyrus E. Dallin. I thought of my ancestors on my father’s side, who are Otoe-Missouri,” said Halfmoon. “That rich history was part of what inspired the creation of my exhibition.”
Halfmoon emphasizes the significance of Native female riders, canine protectors, and the overall theme of resilience within her work, tying her own experiences growing up in Oklahoma to her current artistic vision.
Scholarship in Focus: Contributions of Women Educators
A groundbreaking book titled “Indigenous Voices of Girls and Women in Educational Spaces: Celebrating Presence”, features insights from three Native women—Cheryl Crazy Bull, Erin Griffin, and Natasha Goldtooth—intending to highlight the pivotal role that Native women play in higher education.
The contributors discuss their personal experiences in the tribal college movement, emphasizing kinship, community relationships, and the vital importance of ancestral knowledge in shaping educational experiences for Native students.
“I am proud of Erin and Natasha for sharing their deeply personal experiences with their tribal colleges,” said Crazy Bull. “Tribal colleges and universities provide a sanctuary for students to fully experience themselves, to learn, and to build their knowledge.”
Griffin further notes the organic leadership roles women assume within their communities as a function of love and commitment to family, while Goldtooth acknowledges the impact of mentorship and support in sharing their narratives.
Indigenous Tourism: Recognition of Excellence
The American Indigenous Tourism Association recently honored outstanding achievements in the field through the 2025 Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards, announced during their 27th Annual American Indigenous Tourism Conference in Choctaw, Mississippi, on October 29.
This year’s awards highlighted the economic contributions from Indigenous tourism, which generates approximately $11.6 billion annually. The awards featured diverse categories reflecting the evolving landscape of Indigenous tourism.
“The Excellence in Indigenous Tourism Awards highlight the incredible work being done across our Native Nations and communities,” remarked Sherry L. Rupert, CEO of the American Indigenous Tourism Association. “Each honoree epitomizes the diverse contributions that are shaping the future of Indigenous tourism.”
2025 Award Recipients
- Best Cultural Heritage Experience: Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, New Mexico
- Excellence in Customer Service: Choctaw Cultural Center, Oklahoma
- Best Indigenous Culinary Tourism Experience: Wahpepah’s Kitchen, California
- Indigenous Artisan of the Year: Meritza Shumake, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
- Indigenous Futures Award: Tyler Bell, Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians
- Industry Professional of the Year: Billie Jean Guerrero, director of the Pyramid Lake Museum & Visitor Center, Nevada
- Industry Partner of the Year: Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada
- Indigenous Destination of the Year: Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, California
