The Santa Fe Indian Market has been a spotlight for some of Indian Country’s most talented artists to shine — from crafts to fashion — for over a century. The 103rd annual outing was this past weekend, where 1,000 juried artists from more than 200 tribes descended upon New Mexico.
Among them were sister-and-brother duo Naiomi and Tyler Glasses.
“What’s so great about Santa Fe Indian Market is that you can meet the artists and that supports so many livelihoods,” Naiomi said. “A lot of them, they’re making these pieces by hand.”
The Diné siblings are seventh-generation textile artists and just this week released a new collection with Polo Ralph Lauren.
“It’s a good time to go out and find pieces that speak to you,” said Tyler. “I’m over the moon about it, doing cartwheels and flips inside. I’m excited for it to get out there in the world and for everyone just to see what this whole collection is about, so it’s gonna be another round of excitement right after market.”
His sister made history as Polo Ralph Lauren’s first artist in residence in 2023.
“I’m fortunate enough to be able to collaborate with companies that I’m able to design something and then they’re able to manufacture it,” she explained. “I also still do my beautiful handwoven goods that I sell at markets like Santa Fe and the Heard.”
Naiomi says if you love wearing Native art, buy directly from Indigenous designers.
“Authenticity is what really matters, and I really hope that more companies learn from the model that we did with Polo Ralph Lauren,” she added. “I really want to see more of that. I really want companies to embrace our crafts and to know that it’s a wonderful thing to work with Indigenous artists.”
-
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren made his third annual state address in Shiprock on Tuesday, outlining his administration’s accomplishments amid ongoing efforts to remove him from office before his term expires this year. -
Environmental groups are sounding the alarm on various issues going into this year’s legislative session, and holding out hope for one area of potential bipartisanship. -
Tribes are still figuring out how to start and finish renewable energy projects amid the Trump administration freezing or eliminating federal dollars from the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act, which directed more than $720 million to Indian Country. -
As currently written, the proposed EPA rule would narrow the 1972 landmark law’s enforcement with estimates suggesting that 80% of the nation’s wetlands could be at risk. -
During this week’s annual conference of water users in Las Vegas, a pair of Arizona tribes inked a new proclamation in hopes of setting an example for how other Basin states could operate when it comes to conserving the Colorado River.
