The Brown Arts Institute, in close collaboration with the Native American and Indigenous Studies Initiative (NAISI) at Brown, celebrates Native and Indigenous tribal leaders and members, artists, arts-workers, advocates, students, and scholars in a series focused on sharing Native stories and perspectives, uplifting Indigenous artistic practice, and convening intimate conversations in recognition and celebration of Indigenous art. 

The Beads that Bought Manhattan 

On view in Cohen Gallery, September 7 - October 24, 2021

Artist Hartman Deetz (Mashpee Wampanoag) and Indigenous human rights lawyer Michelle Cook (Dine') debut their project on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Deetz has produced a traditionally handcrafted wampum belt that documents UNDRIP, presented alongside a short film on the history of wampum by Michelle Cook and Teena Pugliese. Informative wall panels were designed by Olivia Cook (Dine'). 

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Wampum Belt features the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People. The belt contains purple wampum, organe conch shell, abalone, and a blue stone bead. The 45 purple beads, and one blue stone bead, represent the 46 articles of the UN Declaration. The UN Declaration Belt is a modern Nation to Nation agreement in part drafted by Indigenous peoples that underscores the rights of self-determination, free and prior informed consent, equal protection of human rights, and control of Indigenous peoples’ economic rights. 

Hartman Deetz and Michelle Cook: In Conversation

On October 12, 2021, Hartman Deetz and Michelle Cook participated in a conversation moderated by Chandlee Crawford ‘24, a concentrator in International and Public Affairs, and a member of the Abenaki Nation of Missisquoi.