EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Branigan Cultural Center will host a new exhibit that will focus on six indigenous groups in the Las Cruces, El Paso and the wider Borderland region.
“Land of the People: Shimba Tainin kau natheure wein – Tierra Sagrada – Ndende bì Ke’ya – Naf’ole atsihem – Nde benah – Ndee Bikáá’” opens on Saturday, Sept. 6 and runs through May 2027.
The grand opening will take place from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 in the Branigan Cultural Center courtyard and include members from all the indigenous groups.
Through their own words and perspectives, each group presents information about their traditions and current lifeways, the City of Las Cruces said in a news release.
Featured groups in the exhibit are Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Tortugas Pueblo, Mescalero Apache Tribe, Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe, Chiricahua Apache, and Gila Apache.
Reflecting the collaborative nature of this exhibit, each group has included their interpretation of the term “Land of the People” within the title, corresponding with their exhibit rotation.
The exhibit is multi-faceted and features a shared, introductory space that explores principal themes common to all six groups. These include their origin stories, movement and homeland, relationships to and stewardship of the land and natural resources, and cultural practices including food, family connections, ceremonies, and traditions.
A secondary, rotating gallery will change every 12 weeks, which allows each indigenous group to go deeper into their own unique stories, traditions, and perspectives. The exhibit sequence is as follows:
Sept. 6 –Nov. 29: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
Dec. 20–March 14: Tortugas Pueblo
April 4-June 27: Mescalero Apache Tribe
July 18–Oct. 10: Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe
Nov. 7, 2026 – Jan. 30, 2027: Chiricahua Apache Nation
Feb. 20–May 15, 2027: Gila Apache
The exhibit grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 6, features demonstrations, activities, and discussions scheduled in 30-minute increments.
For more detailed information and up-to-date events visit lascruces.gov/museums or Las Cruces Museums’ social media platforms @LCMuseums.
The Branigan Cultural Center is located at 501 N. Main St. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission charge.
The museum is accessible from RoadRUNNER Transit Route 1 Stop 1.
For additional information, visit the website at https://www.lascruces.gov/museums or call (575) 541-2154 / TTY 711
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