Land of the People Opens at the Branigan Cultural Center

The Branigan Cultural Center is honored to host a multi-cultural, collaborative exhibit focusing on six Indigenous groups in our area, that will open on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and 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. The grand opening will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on September 6 in the Branigan Cultural Center courtyard and include members from all the Indigenous groups.

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.

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

The exhibit grand opening on Saturday, September 6, features demonstrations, activities, and discussions scheduled in 30-minute increments. For more detailed information and up-to-date events visit lascruces.gov/museums or Las Cruces Museums’ social media platforms @LCMuseums.

The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main Street and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge. The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1.

For additional information, visit the website at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or call (575) 541-2154 / TTY 711.