Colorado museum closes Native American exhibit for perpetuating ‘white, dominant culture’
Jenny Goldsberry
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The Denver Museum of Nature and Science will be indefinitely closing its hall dedicated to Native Americans, citing its “problematic” nature.
“Within this space, the Museum perpetuates racist stereotypes by portraying indigenous people in dioramas as if they exist only in the past, using inaccurate names for sovereign nations (regardless of government recognition), and displaying their belongings without ongoing consent or respectful attribution,” a letter reads on the doors to the exhibit now. The letter insists that the museum is “working toward healing” since the hall “harms Indigineous people of North America.”
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Its North American Indian Cultures exhibit was established in the 1970s but will now be reimagined “with respect to Indigenous cultural histories, heritage, and belongings.” There is no date for when it will reopen. The museum is soliciting feedback from the community about how the new exhibit should appear.
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“Despite collaboration with Indigenous representatives during its creation and ongoing efforts by curators, conservators, and others to update and improve various parts of the Hall, we acknowledge that it remains problematic. We understand that the Hall reinforces harmful stereotypes and white, dominant culture,” DMNS Vice President of Exhibitions Liz Davis wrote in a letter to museum members.
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“To acknowledge the harm we have caused, we have developed and agreed upon a healing statement in collaboration with Indigenous consultants, and with input and guidance from conversations with community members. The statement was crafted after taking into account the concerns expressed by the community, and in direct response to those concerns,” she added.
Denver Museum Healing Statement
The Washington Examiner contacted the Navajo, Ute, and Southern Ute nations for comment.