#HandsOffMyHeritage exhibit in LSC inspires dialogue about cultural appropriation

Ashley Potts

November 14, 2016

Cultural appropriation is “a term used to describe the taking over of creative or artistic forms, themes, or practices by one cultural group from another,” according to Oxford Reference. Cultural appropriation is a major topic of many cultures.

The Native American Cultural Center at CSU feels strongly about this issue and has collaborated with the LSC Arts Program to bring the #HandsOffMyHeritage exhibit to the Duhesa Gallery. This gallery is located on the top floor of the LSC, outside the NACC and features works from 10 artists. The works addresses many aspects of cultural appropriation.

While the exhibit has been up since Oct. 15 and will stay up through Dec. 31, last week was the official exhibition. This was part of the November celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This celebration also featured Dr. Adrienne Keene giving a keynote speech on cultural appropriation, an artist talk with Jacob Meders, whose work is on display in the exhibit, as well as performances by the Pawnee Spotted Horse drum group.

Artist Jacob Meders and Dr. Adrienne Keene speak with CSU staff and students before they spoke in honor of Native American Herritage Month Thursday, Nov. 10. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Art featured in the #HandsOffMyHeritage exhibit. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Ty Smith, Director of the Native American Culture Center at CSU interacts with attendants of the reception for speakers Dr. Adrienne Keene and artist Jacob Meders as part of Native American Heritage Month Thursday Nov.10. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Native American artist Jacob Meders stands in front of his art on display durring the #HandsOffMyHeritage event in the LSC Thursday Nov.10. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Food is served at the #HandsOffMyHeritage exhibit. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Display in the #HandsOffMyHeritage exhibit. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

Bob Iron of the Pawnee Spotted Horse drum group eats a meal before drumming during the #HandsOffMyHeritage reception at the Duhesa Gallery on Thursday. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

CSU students look at Native American art in the Duhesa Gallery in the LSC durring an event to celebrate Native American Heritage month on Thursday Nov. 10. Photo credit: Ryan Arb

All of this aims to create dialogue about the issues of cultural appropriation as well as celebrate the diverse cultures represented within the Native American Cultural Center.

For more information you can visit nacc.colostate.edu or stop by room 327 in the LSC.

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