Creation.Story
A groundbreaking exhibition exploring the rich creation narratives of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (Great Sioux Nation) is set to open at All My Relations Arts in Minneapolis next month. “Creation.Story,” a collaborative traveling exhibition co-curated by Keith BraveHeart and David Meyer of the Akta Lakota Museum, will run from May 8 through July 26, 2025, showcasing contemporary interpretations of Očhéthi Šakówiŋ origin stories.
The exhibition features fourteen accomplished Indigenous artists whose works illuminate the spiritual foundations and cultural values that have sustained Očhéthi Šakówiŋ communities for generations. Through diverse artistic expressions, visitors will encounter the ancient spiritual entities known as Wakán Taŋká—including Iŋyaŋ (rock), Makȟa (earth), Škaŋ (movement), and Wí (sun)—that form the basis of Očhéthi Šakówiŋ cosmology.
“Creation.Story aims to encourage audiences, especially those across our Očhéthi Šakówiŋ communities, to practice creative and critical modes of cultural continuums,” explains co-curator Keith BraveHeart. The exhibition presents these narratives as living traditions that continue to evolve while maintaining essential connections to ancestral wisdom.
Traditionally passed down through generations via oral storytelling practices known as “Oȟunkakan,” these narratives have shaped profound structures for life, identity, and cultural expression within Očhéthi Šakówiŋ communities. The exhibition honors this tradition while bringing contemporary interpretations to a broader audience.
For the Minneapolis installation, BraveHeart and Meyer are joined by co-curators Jaida Grey Eagle, Kylie Wanatee-Thunderhawk, and Mikayla Patton, who have helped shape the exhibition for its All My Relations venue. This curatorial approach reflects the exhibition’s emphasis on collaborative storytelling and community engagement.
The impressive roster of featured artists includes Jhon Goes In Center, James Star Comes Out, Mikayla Patton, Randilynn Boucher-Giago, Dwayne Wilcox, Dyani White Hawk, Marlena Myles, Talon Ducheneaux, Keith BraveHeart, Jaida Grey Eagle, Kylee Wanatee-Thunderhawk, Angela Babby, Destiny Big Crow, and Billy Janis.
“Creation.Story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ people and their commitment to preserving cultural heritage through art,” notes the Native American Community Development Institute, which presents the exhibition alongside All My Relations Arts. “From their emergence to today, their artistic traditions continue to thrive, transcending time and adversity.”
Already well-received at previous venues including the Akta Lakota Museum in Chamberlain, SD, The Heritage Center in Pine Ridge, SD, The Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City, SD, and the South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings, SD, the exhibition continues its journey to share these vital cultural narratives with wider audiences.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday, May 8th from 6-8pm, featuring a special curators’ talk at 7pm. This event offers visitors an opportunity to gain deeper insights into both the artistic approaches and cultural significance of the works on display.
By bringing these creation stories into contemporary art spaces, “Creation.Story” ensures that the heritage of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ remains vibrant and relevant, inviting all to witness and celebrate the resilience of a culture that continues to tell stories of triumph through artistic expression.
Program Dates:
On view: May 8th – July 26th 2025
Opening reception + Curators Talk: Thursday, May 8th, 2025, 6-8pm, Curators talk at 7pm
For additional programming, visit allmyrelationsarts.org
For questions regarding accessibility of the exhibition and the venue, please contact arts@nacdi.org.
