September 6, 2025 – May 31, 2027
The Branigan Cultural Center is honored to host a multi-cultural, collaborative exhibit focusing on six Indigenous groups in our area, that opened on Saturday, September 6, 2025, and will run through May 2027. Land of the People: Shimba Tainin kau natheure wein – Tierra Sagrada – Ndende bì Ke’ya – Naf’ole atsihem – Nde benah – Ndee Bikáá’ tells the story of six Indigenous groups with historic roots and contemporary involvement in the Borderland region.
Through their own words and perspectives, each group presents information about their traditions and current lifeways. 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 multifaceted 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 foodways, family connections, ceremonies, and traditions.
Rotation Update:
Land of the People: Tortugas Pueblo opened at the Branigan Cultural Center on December 20, 2025 as part of the museum’s rotating Indigenous gallery space. From December 20, 2025 – March 14, 2026, the featured exhibit highlights the Pueblo of Tortugas, sharing their history, traditions, and continued presence in the Mesilla Valley. An opening reception was held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m., featuring members of the Tortugas Pueblo and Pueblo-based dance groups. This rotating gallery space changes every 12 weeks, allowing each Indigenous group to share deeper perspectives and stories. This featured group is reaching the end of their 12 week exhibition and will close on March 14. The featured gallery will reopen on April 4 for “Land of the People: Ndende bì Ke’ya” from the Mescalero Apache Tribe.
Next Exhibit Reception
Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 9 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Join us at the Branigan Cultural Center on Saturday, April 4, for the opening reception of “Land of the People: Ndende bì Ke’ya,” created in collaboration with community members of Mescalero Apache Tribe. The reception runs from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.
Located in south-central New Mexico, the Mescalero Apache Reservation is the southernmost Federal reservation in the state. The Mescalero Apache Reservation – long recognized by Spanish, Mexican, and American Treaties – was formally established by Executive Order of President Ulysses S. Grant on May 29, 1873.
Today, the Mescalero Apache tribe consists of three sub-tribes, Mescalero, Lipan, and Chiricahua, with over 5,000 Tribal members from each band residing on the reservation. Throughout the year, the Mescalero continue to celebrate many ceremonies, including the Coming of Age Ceremony every Fourth of July. We invite you to explore the Mescalero Apache’s enduring heritage and traditions in the Southwest.
Admission is free and open to all.
For more information, contact Jon Delgado, Education Curator (Branigan Cultural Center), at jdelgado@clcstaging.lascruces.gov or (575) 528-3372/TTY 711.
Exhibit Rotation Dates
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:
September 6 –November 29, 2025: Ysleta del Sur Pueblo
December 20, 2025 – March 14, 2026: Tortugas Pueblo
April 4 – June 27, 2026: Mescalero Apache Tribe
July 18– October 10, 2026: Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe
November 7, 2026 – January 30, 2027: Chiricahua Apache Nation
February 20 – May 15, 2027: Gila Apache
Exhibit Programming
All programs take place at the Branigan Cultural Center unless otherwise stated.
- Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Land of the People Exhibit Opening – 9am-1:30pm
- Saturday, September 20, 2025 – Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Rotating Exhibit Opening – 10am-noon
- Saturday, December 20, 2025 – Tortugas Pueblo Rotating Exhibit Opening – 10am-11:45am
- Saturday, April 4, 2026 – Mescalero Apache Tribe Rotating Exhibit Opening- 9am-1pm
- Saturday, July 18, 2026 – Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe Rotating Exhibit Opening – 10am-noon
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 – Chiricahua Apache Nation Rotating Exhibit Opening – 10am-noon
- Saturday, February 20, 2027 – Gila Apache Rotating Exhibit Opening – 10am-noon
