September 6, 2025 – May 31, 2027
The Branigan Cultural Center is honored to host a multi-cultural, collaborative exhibit focusing on six Indigenous groups in our area, that opened on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and will run through May 2027. Land of the People: Shimba Tainin kau natheure wein – Tierra Sagrada – Ndende bì Ke’ya – Naf’ole atsihem – Nde benah – Ndee Bikáá’ tells the story of six Indigenous groups with historic roots and contemporary involvement in the Borderland region.
Through their own words and perspectives, each group presents information about their traditions and current lifeways. Featured groups in the exhibit are Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tortugas Pueblo, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, Chiricahua Apache, and Gila Apache. Reflecting the collaborative nature of this exhibit, each group has included their interpretation of the term Land of the People within the title, corresponding with their exhibit rotation.
The exhibit is multifaceted and features a shared, introductory space that explores principal themes common to all six groups. These include their origin stories, movement and homeland, relationships to and stewardship of the land and natural resources, and cultural practices including foodways, family connections, ceremonies, and traditions.
Rotation Update:
This rotating gallery space changes every 12 weeks, allowing each Indigenous group to share deeper perspectives and stories. The featured gallery reopened on Saturday, July 18, for “Land of the People: Naf’ole atsihem from the Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe. This rotation will be open until October 10, 2026.
Next Exhibit Reception
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 9 A.M. to Noon
Join us at the Branigan Cultural Center on Saturday, November 7, for the opening reception of Land of the People: Nde benah, created in collaboration with community members of Chiricahua Apache Nation.
More information coming soon for the celebration.
Admission is free and open to all.
For additional information contact Mina Stafford, Education Manager, at [email protected] or (575) 541-2160/TTY 711.
Exhibit Rotation Dates
A secondary, rotating gallery will change every 12 weeks, which allows each Indigenous group to go deeper into their own unique stories, traditions, and perspectives.
The exhibit sequence is as follows:
September 6 –November 29, 2025: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
December 20, 2025 – March 14, 2026: Tortugas Pueblo
April 4 – June 27, 2026: Mescalero Apache Tribe
July 18– October 10, 2026: Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe
November 7, 2026 – January 30, 2027: Chiricahua Apache Nation
February 20 – May 15, 2027: Gila Apache
Exhibit Programming
All programs take place at the Branigan Cultural Center unless otherwise stated.
- Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe Cacique Ed Roybal, Sr. speaking about PMT Federal Recognition – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Saturday, October 3, 2026 – Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe Lt. Governor Richard Moreno Meet the Artist and Beading Demonstration – 1 PM – 3 PM
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Chiricahua Apache Nation Rotating Exhibit Opening – 9 A.M. to Noon
- Saturday, February 20, 2027 – Gila Apache Rotating Exhibit Opening – Time TBD
