The Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces opens the fifth installment of its "Land of the People" exhibition series Saturday, this time centered on the Chiricahua Apache Nation. Museum curator Analisa Torres discussed the exhibit's contents and an opening-day reception that coincides with the city's Veterans Day parade.
What the exhibit covers
According to Torres, the show traces the Chiricahua Apache Nation's historical displacement and its ties to ancestral land, known as Nde Benah, which lends the exhibit its title. The nation today spans western New Mexico and Arizona, with historical movement into northern Mexico as well. A section of the exhibit addresses traditional plant uses, both historic and current, before transitioning into contemporary work by Chiricahua Apache artists. Notable historical artifacts include pieces by sculptor Allan Houser. Torres said the nation's current members are focused on reconnecting thousands of descendants with their cultural knowledge and lifeways.
Opening-day schedule and logistics
The exhibit runs from November 7 through January 30, 2027, with an opening reception Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Outdoor programming from 9 to 11 a.m. will include opening remarks, drumming, native flute performances, and talks from nation members on traditional stories and the contemporary artwork on display, including recollections of Allan Houser from those who knew him.
Because the Veterans Day parade runs concurrently along Main and Water streets, Torres recommends arriving early and expecting street closures on those and surrounding cross streets through 1 p.m. Visitors can park at the City of Las Cruces/Branigan Library lot and walk to the venue.
What comes next in the series
Torres said the next and final installment in the "Land of the People" series will focus on the Gila Apache, drawing on historical objects and background on the group alongside information about members' ongoing efforts toward federal recognition in the local community. Further details on exhibits and events are available through the city's museums website and the Land of the People site, as well as the LCMuseums accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.