ISAPD members Summer Sutton, Anjelica S. Gallegos, and Charelle Brown with Duane Blue Spruce, Facilities Planning coordinator at the Smithsonian Institution. Photo by Tony Fiorini
The opening reception for the Making Space for Resistance: Past, Present and Future occurred on September 6, 2019 at the Yale School of Architecture. The diverse crowd included students and professors from the architecture, forestry, anthropology, history and art departments.
ISAPD members discussed the historical background and theory behind the idea of the exhibit. The five spatial realms were discussed in detail along with the meaning behind the “paths” on the floor of the exhibition. The indigenous histories and lifeways associated with all of the textiles and materials in the exhibition were brought to the attention of the audience. The curatorial process and specific examples of art pieces within the exhibit, construction process and community involvement played a key role in creating an Indigenous spatial identity.
Duane Blue Spruce, (Laguna Pueblo), architect and planning coordinator of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) in New York, shared his experience of becoming an architect as an Indigenous person. Additionally, Sutton interviewed Blue Spruce where he shared some details of his past and current projects including serving as the primary liaison between the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C. and the architectural design team for ten years. His published work includes “Spirit of a Native Place”, “The Land Has Memory” and “A Native Son’s Tribute to New York”.
After the discussion, the attendees were encouraged to enjoy refreshments and experience the exhibition.
Charelle Brown discusses the group’s efforts to connect with indigenous communities through social media and family involvement. Photo by Tony Fiorini
Summer Sutton interviews Duane Blue Spruce about his involvement in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Photo by Tony Fiorini
From Left to Right: Diego Tituaña Matango, Yale Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow 2019; Abdul-Rehman Malik, Yale Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellow 2017; Summer Sutton, Yale Architecture PhD Student and ISAPD Member; Ned Blackhawk, Professor of History and American Studies, Yale University. Photo by Tony Fiorini
Spectators were encouraged to look at the exhibition after the discussion. Photo by Tony Fiorini