About this Virtual Event
Dacia Red Thunder Griego
Cultural Values, Contemporary Innovation: The Story of Indigenous Made Montana’s Support for Indigenous Artisans
Topic Description:
In "Cultural Values, Contemporary Innovation: The Story of Indigenous Made Montana’s Support for Indigenous Artisans," Dacia Red Thunder Griego explores how Indigenous Made Montana empowers Indigenous artists while revitalizing their cultural heritage. This presentation delves into the organization’s mission and history, highlighting its role in bridging traditional art forms with contemporary markets. Dacia will examine how Indigenous Made Montana provides crucial support to artisans, integrates traditional art into modern spaces, and navigates challenges and successes. Through profiles of featured artisans and discussions on community impact, she will illustrate how the platform fosters cultural preservation and drives social and economic benefits for both Indigenous and broader audiences.
When: Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Noon
Where: Online
Cost: Free
About the Artist:
Dacia Red Thunder Griego is a dedicated advocate, artisan, and educator whose work reflects a profound commitment to her Chippewa Cree and Mexican heritage weaving cultural teachings and values into the work she does to empower her community.
Her inspiration is rooted in her identity as an Indigenous woman and mother, an experience shaped by the challenges of maintaining cultural traditions in mainstream communities. This experience fuels her overarching goal—to amplify Indigenous voices, educate younger generations, and share the richness of Indigenous culture with the wider community, ensuring cultural preservation across generations.
Dacia is the co-founder of Indigenous Made Montana, where she actively contributes to the amplification of Indigenous voices, fostering empowerment among creatives, and showcasing the brilliance of Indigenous art. Her personal and professional aspirations converge in advocating for Indigenous people through education, community organizing, and the transformative power of art, aiming to spotlight the strength, resilience, and beauty of her people in every aspect of her work.
Indigenous Art, Indigenous Minds is a project of Open AIR’s Indigenous Initiatives Committee, established to elevate Indigenous Leadership and creative practices in Montana and beyond. All presentations are available on Open AIR’s YouTube Channel.