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Established in 2020 by a collective of Native artists and writers who realized the need for proper representation, the Center for Native Futures (CfNF) has rapidly become an epicenter of community and creativity. The organization is entirely led and run by Indigenous artists based in Zhegagoynak (Chicago) and serves as a vital platform for marginalized Native artists. Our existence challenges the pervasive and inaccurate portrayals of Native people. By fostering Native artists of all backgrounds—including those with mixed identities whose perspectives are often overshadowed—we provide a powerful lens through which art can illuminate the past, enrich the present, and realize a thriving future.
CfNF offers unparalleled opportunities and platforms designed to nurture and elevate Indigenous artists at every stage of their careers. Our Native artists experiment and expand their creative practices, while also connecting with broader audiences. At the heart of our philosophy is Indigenous Futurism, an artistic approach that expands possibilities and realities by imagining our lives beyond colonial limitations. We are dedicated to showcasing the futurity of Native people as living cultures by acknowledging and advancing contemporary Native fine arts and insisting on our inclusion in the city’s overarching narratives through exhibitions, residencies, and programming.
Photos courtesy of Center for Native Futures
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Frank Buffalo Hyde
Courtney M. Leonard
Neepa Hyde
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“It’s a timely exhibition that highlights what’s being made in Indian Country right now,” said Chris Pappan, CfNF cofounder and board president. “For me personally, this is what I've wanted for the gallery.”
The exhibition features artwork by sixteen Native artists including: America Meredith, Andrea Carlson, Bobby Dues, Chris Pappan, Cynthia Harding, Debra Yepa-Pappan, Erin Lee Antonak, Erin Genia, George Alexander, Henry Payer, Jonathan Thunder, Julie Buffalohead, June Carpenter, Micah Wesley, Monica Rickert-Bolter, and Selena Kearney.
For these artists, making art is an act of resistance. Each artist showcases this theme in their distinct, vibrant ways, which include sculptures, installations, paintings, beadwork, and more. They visualize this as joy, love, humor, healing, family, agency in representation, as well as subversion—all the things that show that Native existence is a form of resistance.
“Who says resistance can’t be colorful?” said Debra Yepa-Pappan, Director of Exhibitions & Programs and curator of the show.
The opening reception offers the Native community a first look at the exhibition and provides the public with an opportunity to celebrate alongside the artists. There will also be food and drinks provided, along with music throughout the event by Chicago local DJ, Toyacoyah.
Sight of Resistance will be open from July 12, 2025 to January 10, 2026. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Friday from 11am to 4pm. CfNF is a nonprofit, all-Native artist-operated gallery and makerspace that is free and open to the public.
“Remediation, Resilience,” 2025, America Meredith (Cherokee Nation).
Center for Native Futures presents Hattie Lee Mendoza, Melissa Melero-Moose, Sean Chandler
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