There are various Native nations and affiliations throughout what is now called North America. The land was, and still is, home to the Ho-Chunk Nation, Lac Seul First Nation, the Kwinhagak Tribal Government, and many other indigenous nations. After a long history of oppression, the United States and the international world have recognized the need for a new way of seeing and thinking about Indigenous cultures on the continent.

Through June 25, the Milwaukee Art Museum, the largest art museum in Wisconsin, presents “Native America: In Translation.” While photographs of Native people have historically been used to perpetuate stereotypes about Native cultures, the ten participating artists from Indigenous backgrounds use photography to reveal critical perspectives on community, identity, and the legacy of colonialism in North America.

Martine Gutierrez (b. 1989) uses the fashion magazine format to question the socially constructed identity of Native women. Rebecca Belmore (b. 1960) presents symbolic images to draw attention to governmentally conducted violence against indigenous peoples. Tom jones (b. 1964) beaded the traditional Ho-Chunk pattern on the portraits of his community people.

Other participating artists include Nalikutaar Jacqueline Cleveland, Koyoltzintli, Duane Linklater, Guadalupe Maravilla, Kimowan Metchewais, Alan Michelson, and Marianne Nicolson.