PRESS

KIOS 91.5 OMAHA PUBLIC RADIO

“The People, The Human Beings,” on display at the Generator Space gallery through June 25, is the debut of Unceded Artist Collective. Unceded is a community and directory of indigenous artists living on land stolen from tribal nations. It is the creation of local artists Nate Ruleaux, Sarah Rowe and Steve Tamayo. Courtney Bierman spoke to Ruleaux about the collective’s origins and the visibility of Native art in Omaha.

RABBLE MEDIA

The first show from the Unceded Artist Collective, The People, The Human Beings opens Friday, May 14, at Amplify Arts’ Generator Space in Omaha.

Artist Sarah Rowe, a member of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, Lakota Nation, said the Collective was unveiled this spring.

“It connects Indigenous creatives around Omaha to one another and to the community at large,” Rowe said.

THE READER

It’s very easy to forget how influential Omaha has been regarding major social changes in the United States. You probably know of Malcolm X, but few people know about author/poet John Trudell, who, like Malcolm X, was born in Omaha. Trudell, a Santee Dakota activist, engaged with the influential American Indian Movement that successfully fought against Indigenous oppression and substantially improved the lives of Native communities.

A current and enlightening art exhibition at Generator Space strives to enhance that perception. Comprised of Native artists working in the Omaha metro area, The People, The Human Beings at this Vinton Street venue derives its title from a quote by Trudell: “We’re too busy trying to protect the idea of a Native American or an Indian – but we’re not Indians and we’re not Native Americans. We’re older than both concepts. We’re the people. We’re the human beings.”