The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) announced its first major Native American exhibition in 30 years, titled "The Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation," opening September 28, 2025. The show will feature 60 U.S.-based Anishinaabe artists and include jewelry, basketry, painting, pottery, and woodworking, with gallery text in Anishnaabemowin. The exhibition was curated with an advisory council of Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi artists.
This exhibition matters because it marks a significant step in addressing the historical underrepresentation of Indigenous art at major U.S. museums. By centering Anishinaabe voices and language, the DIA is engaging in broader efforts to decolonize museum practices and build more inclusive narratives around Native American art and culture.