Curated by Malorie King (Mescalero Apache/Diné)
Location: CSWS Foyer
Reception: Thursday, January 30 from 4:30-6:30 PM
Center of Southwest Studies Fellow and recent Fort Lewis College graduate Malorie King (Mescalero Apache/Diné) has curated a selection of artwork from the Center’s Museum collections as a culmination of a year of research and inquiry into creative expression of traditional knowledge sharing and intertribal values.
CURATORIAL STATEMENT
Indigenous Peoples worldwide hold a profound belief in living harmoniously with nature and the universe. For the Diné (Navajo) People, the sacred time of Hayoolkaal—the early morning dawn—is a daily reminder of this connection. As the dark blue skies give way to the sun’s first light, the presence of the divine is acknowledged with offerings of white cornmeal and corn pollen, symbolizing gratitude and seeking guidance for the human journey.
This exhibition draws inspiration from the essence of community and my personal journey as a recent graduate of Fort Lewis College and a Curatorial Fellow at the Center of Southwest Studies. It began with a transformative Maymester course in 2023 that gave rise to a mural, known as Indigenous Futurity, on the Center’s staircase wall. The mural embodies Indigenous philosophies and serves as a living source of knowledge. As a steward of this legacy, I feel a deep responsibility to amplify the stories and intentions behind the mural, fostering connections between museum collections and oral traditions.
At its core, this project represents reciprocity—our shared responsibility to honor the teachings of our elders, respect all forms of life, and contribute meaningfully to our communities. It brings together diverse Indigenous philosophies, histories, and cultural expressions, intertwining the voices of the mural with selections from the Center’s collections.
This exhibition also encourages visitors to look inward—to reflect on their own heritage, traditions, and stories. Just as Indigenous knowledge is rooted in values of kinship, gratitude, and community, each of us carries a cultural lineage that can inspire and guide us. By connecting with these roots, we can better understand the ways our lives intersect with those around us and contribute to a future defined by respect, learning, and reciprocity.
Through this exhibition, I aim to honor the communities, mentors, and traditions that have shaped me, while planting seeds for a future where Indigenous voices and knowledge systems thrive.
Let this exhibition be a celebration of interconnectedness, an expression of gratitude, and an invitation to explore and honor the heritage that shapes each of us. Together, we can move toward a shared vision of healing, enlightenment, and futurity.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Malorie King is of the Mescalero Apache People, born for the Red Running into the Water Clan. As a first-generation college graduate and recent alumna of Fort Lewis College, Malorie holds a BA in Native American and Indigenous Studies with a minor in Heritage Preservation from the Department of History. As the 2024-’25 Center of Southwest Studies Fellow, she collaborates with museum staff on exhibition planning and programming. Committed to bridging academia and the broader community, she is dedicated to making cultural heritage more accessible. Through her multifaced role, Malorie is actively involved in developing and executing collections-based experiential learning opportunities for Fort Lewis College students, exemplifying her commitment to education, cultural representation, and the dynamic intersection of museum practices and community engagement.