“Indigenous Activism and Larry Casuse” UNM-Gallup Panel Discussion (March 2, 2023)

Panelists included:

• • Dr. Melanie K. Yazzie, Assistant Professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, organizer with Red Nation
  • John Redhouse, elder and writer
  • Dr. David Correia, Professor of American Studies at UNM, author of An Enemy Such as This
  • UNM KIVA Club member (TBA)

“Shattered Dream” Social Justice Walk Led by Jerry Brown (March 3 – 4, 2024)

Jerry walked in remembrance of all those affected by substance abuse disorders. His route highlighted the predominance of bordertown liquor stores and an exploitative economic system that makes basic necessities like gasoline inaccessible while sacrificing lives. Jerry collected glass bottles and pieces as he walked to create a visual testimony to the magnitude of the issue. Members ofthe public joined Jerry on his walk and contributed glass bottles and pieces to Jerry‘s load.

“Cause/Casuse” Group Show at ART123 Gallery (March 3 – April 1, 2023)

Featuring eight Indigenous artists — Karl Bautista, Christian Bigwater, Nick Brokeshoulder, Jerry Brown, Gents Cheama, Morgan Hopson, Nalmerthan Pablo, Tasha N. — this mixed media, experiential group show addressesd issues of representation, perspective, historical and intergenerational trauma, systemic injustice, and activism. 

Community Conversations:

Part 1: Truth & Healing (March 25, 2023)

Indigenous LifeWays facilitated a community dialogue using art as a starting point to create a safe space to speak about issues of economic exploitation that impact all of us.

Part 2: Alcohol Policy (March 29, 2023)

Presented by the Gallup Alcohol Policy Working Group, the purpose of this community gathering was to explore and discuss evidence-based policy solutions to reducing alcohol-related harms in Gallup and McKinley County. Participants learned more about and worked together to strategize potential policy solutions.  

Remembrance Event (March 4, 2023)

The community gathered on March 4 at 4pm in Courthouse Square in remembrance of those lost to and suffering from substance abuse disorder. This event was the culmination of Jerry Brown’s “Shattered Dream” social justice walk. To begin the event, Jerry created a pile of collected glass pieces and bottles in the middle of the Square as a visual testimony to the magnitude of the suffering. The public participated in a reading of names of loved ones lost to or suffering from substance abuse disorder. A poetry reading featuring Niłtooli Wilkins, Bodera Joe, and Yitazbah Leigh concluded the event. Counseling resources and services were made available at the event from Hozho Center, Four Corners Detox, 988 and Narcotic Anonymous. 

All-Ages Photography Workshop with Diedre Peaches

People of all ages participated in a two-hour photography workshop highlighting the power of photography and how media can help create positive societal change. Topics included: photography basics, camera setup, artificial and natural lighting, media literacy, and youth empowerment.