Paper Trails: Unfolding Indigenous Narratives
February 6– July 12, 2026
“The exhibition concept of Paper Trails is inspired by the early works of Mikayla Patton (Oglala Lakota) ’19, A-i-R ’22, especially the materiality of her practice and her process of making her own paper.”
-Erika Knecht
Paper Trails: Unfolding Indigenous Narratives is a major exhibition that brings together contemporary Indigenous artists from Canada and the United States, whose work expands the creative possibilities of paper beyond its traditional two-dimensional format.
The exhibition foregrounds urgent themes, including cultural preservation, hidden histories, and the enduring consequences of broken treaties—issues that are especially resonant as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026.
Co-curated by Melissa Melero-Moose (Northern Paiute) ’09, Erika Knecht ’20, and MoCNA Chief Curator Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man, Paper Trails is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog with contributions from Indigenous scholars and artists.
The project explores interconnected themes: resistance and survival in the face of colonization; intergenerational impact of residential school trauma; identity and modes of self-representation; loss of access to clean water and traditional foods; racial and gender discrimination; and the enduring strength of Indigenous knowledge systems—including cosmologies, land-based practices, and self-representation. By foregrounding both historical injustices and contemporary resilience, Paper Trails positions Indigenous artists at the forefront of decolonial discourse and creative innovation.
Artist-led programs encourage cross-cultural learning and community involvement. By amplifying Indigenous voices and centering creative agency, Paper Trails makes a meaningful contribution to ongoing conversations on decolonization, survivance, and Indigenous futurity.
Learn more: https://iaia.edu/event/paper-trails-unfolding-indigenous-narratives/
Two New Exhibitions at MoCNA Celebrated at Opening Reception
Photograph by Cannon Ross
