“Keif Henley at Guild Cinema is a big supporter of Indigenous cinema. He makes it a point to include Indigenous film programming throughout the year, with speakers from the local Indigenous film and TV industry. It’s the first place I thought of when I wanted to do a screening of my recent short film Marlon for friends here in Albuquerque. It’s a small but lively place and a beloved part of our local arts community. An added bonus: His selection of popcorn spices is one of the best in town.”

“This off-the-beaten-path DIY space in Albuquerque has been around for a long time, existing in various iterations. Comically translated as ‘the discipline sandal,’ La Chancla is a resilient space probably because it’s so needed in our community. Bethany Baca and Adri De La Cruz, who co-run it, have created a safe community that comes together for the love of music. One of my favorite Dine’ musicians, Greg Yazzie, plays here often with his Dine’ honky-tonk band, Midnight Stew.”

“I come here for the Indigenous art, food, and culture. Here, you can learn about Pueblo history in the excellent museum, get a taste of their amazing food in the Indian Pueblo Kitchen, and check out contemporary Indigenous art in the gallery space. IPCC is part of a growing complex of Pueblo-owned businesses on Avanyu Plaza, including Laguna Burger and 12th Street Tavern. Where else can you get a Pueblo taco, learn Pueblo history, and see contemporary Indigenous art?”

“MoCNA is one of my first stops to see the latest in contemporary Indigenous art when I take the Rail Runner train to Santa Fe. This museum is part of the Institute of American Indian Arts, the school where I got my MFA in screenwriting. I usually know one or two of the museum staff that work in the excellent gift shop up front, so it’s a place near and dear to my heart. One of my favorite things is to stop in for a margarita at the Shed bar right around the corner after viewing art here.”

“George R.R Martin’s movie house in Santa Fe, Jean Cocteau Cinema, is another local venue that often hosts Indigenous film screenings. My friend, the Navajo director Blackhorse Lowe, often screens his own curated film program, Cinedoom, here. It’s a tiny space, but I feel like that’s part of its charm. A window in the lobby bar offers a variety of cocktail options. So many times I’ve seen a large group of Indigenous filmmakers in that lobby and thought, ‘Man, Santa Fe is such a great place.’”

“Jeffrey Gibson, Nani Chacon, Raven Chacon, Nicholas Galanin: These are some of the cutting-edge Indigenous artists who have shown their work in the beautiful and inviting space that is SITE Santa Fe. It’s big (for Santa Fe), it’s free, and it’s got a contemporary look and feel. There are plenty of art spaces to compete for your attention in Santa Fe, but SITE stands out for its distinct nod toward the contemporary, which can be harder to find near the downtown area.”

“You can’t have Oklahoma history without Indigenous history, and this is the place to find it. First Americans Museum hosts stickball tournaments, tells the history of Oklahoma tribes that were ‘relocated’ to ‘Indian Territory,’ and partners with the deadCenter Film Festival to program Indigenous film screenings. The gift shop and restaurant offer great Indigenous offerings too. Opened in 2021, it’s a welcome and much-needed addition to the Oklahoma arts and culture scene.”

“Located in the heart of Reservation Dogs country, the scrappy nonprofit Circle Cinema continuously supports Indigenous cinema. Chuck Foxen, the deputy director and programmer, not only selects excellent independent films to screen, he has his finger on the pulse of what’s happening in Indigenous cinema. Celebrating 95 years, the cinema house’s eclectic programming includes short films from the prestigious Tulsa Artist Fellowship program, which has included former poet laureate Joy Harjo.”

“The town of Anadarko was once a hub for Indigenous art and is creeping back to its former significance. In the process of cleaning up Mckee’s Indian Store for restorations, Caddo citizens discovered a treasure trove of art and one-of-a-kind Polaroids from the important southern Plains Native artists whose work was sold there. The Caddo Nation has bought this former hub of Indigenous art and is intent on making it what it once was: the place to go to for Indigenous art in southwest Oklahoma.”

“The National Museum of the American Indian is one of the great spaces that presents Indigenous art and culture. When I’m in DC, it’s at the top of my list of spots to visit. It’s a place I can count on seeing Indigenous faces in a city not necessarily known for them; I also probably see at least one or two familiar faces among the staff. Of note, NMAI hosts its annual Native Cinema Showcase in Santa Fe during Indian Market, screening Indigenous films from throughout the world.”