This is Native Art
11/10/2025 12:07PM ● By Skylar Leeson
Photo by Kenny McCarthy/Ski Town Media.
When the Tread of Pioneers Museum opened the doors to its new exhibit this fall, the acclaimed home on Eighth and Oak Street emitted a new kind of energy. Long dedicated to telling the stories of the diverse history of the Yampa Valley, including Native Americans, the museum now expands that narrative with a striking collection of contemporary works from over 25 Native American artists from across the country. Each piece speaks of memory and identity, culture and sense of place – bridging past and present in vibrant new ways.
Created by Danielle SeeWalker and originally presented by Colorado Creative Industries, the showcase, “This is Native Art,” first debuted at the Colorado State Capitol, where it drew visitors from across the state. The exhibit's arrival in Steamboat Springs marks an exciting chapter for the Tread of Pioneers Museum – a chance to connect the Yampa Valley to a broader statewide conversation about art, identity and the enduring presence of Native peoples through new contemporary art.
Candice Bannister, the museum’s executive director, worked with Colorado Creative Industries to bring the exhibit to Steamboat Springs. “Native voices are vital to Colorado’s past, present and future, and we’re honored to share these stories firsthand with our community and visitors,” Candice says. “The exhibition celebrates contemporary Native American artists whose work expresses diversity, resilience and self-representation. Through powerful and modern forms, these artists reclaim narratives, challenge stereotypes and affirm that Native culture is living, dynamic and central to our shared history.”
The exhibit reflects the museum’s continued commitment to telling the diverse and inclusive history of Steamboat Springs and the stories and experiences that connect our local history to our nation’s history. “This exhibit focus does not detract or diminish in any way the importance of our town’s founding settlers and development, and all of the important people and events who have shaped and call Steamboat Springs and Routt County home,” Candice says. “Our exhibits, programs and events are expansive.”
The Ute Indians were Colorado and the Yampa Valley’s first documented inhabitants. Their enduring connection to the landscape, rooted in ceremony and survival, continues to shape the region’s identity. Reflecting that continuity, the exhibit brings together traditional and contemporary works of a wide-range of artists and tribal affiliations showcasing historical motifs reimagined through modern media.
By highlighting Native voices, history, art and stories, the museum builds on its long-standing commitment to presenting Indigenous culture as living, resilient and evolving – an essential part of the ongoing conversation about the valley’s past, present and future. This is a desire Candice hears from many Native people she meets.
“Our goal,” she says, “is for visitors and locals alike to leave with a stronger awareness of the valley’s Native roots, a respect for the endurance of Indigenous communities, and an appreciation for how their contributions continue to be part of our nation’s shared history and identity.”
“This is Native Art” is now open at the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The exhibit is open through October 2026. For hours, programs and details, visit www.treadofpioneers.org.
When the Tread of Pioneers Museum opened the doors to its new exhibit this fall, the acclaimed home on Eighth and Oak Street emitted a new kind of energy. Long dedicated to telling the stories of the diverse history of the Yampa Valley, including Native Americans, the museum now expands that narrative with a striking collection of contemporary works from over 25 Native American artists from across the country. Each piece speaks of memory and identity, culture and sense of place – bridging past and present in vibrant new ways.
Created by Danielle SeeWalker and originally presented by Colorado Creative Industries, the showcase, “This is Native Art,” first debuted at the Colorado State Capitol, where it drew visitors from across the state. The exhibit's arrival in Steamboat Springs marks an exciting chapter for the Tread of Pioneers Museum – a chance to connect the Yampa Valley to a broader statewide conversation about art, identity and the enduring presence of Native peoples through new contemporary art.
Candice Bannister, the museum’s executive director, worked with Colorado Creative Industries to bring the exhibit to Steamboat Springs. “Native voices are vital to Colorado’s past, present and future, and we’re honored to share these stories firsthand with our community and visitors,” Candice says. “The exhibition celebrates contemporary Native American artists whose work expresses diversity, resilience and self-representation. Through powerful and modern forms, these artists reclaim narratives, challenge stereotypes and affirm that Native culture is living, dynamic and central to our shared history.”
The exhibit reflects the museum’s continued commitment to telling the diverse and inclusive history of Steamboat Springs and the stories and experiences that connect our local history to our nation’s history. “This exhibit focus does not detract or diminish in any way the importance of our town’s founding settlers and development, and all of the important people and events who have shaped and call Steamboat Springs and Routt County home,” Candice says. “Our exhibits, programs and events are expansive.”
The Ute Indians were Colorado and the Yampa Valley’s first documented inhabitants. Their enduring connection to the landscape, rooted in ceremony and survival, continues to shape the region’s identity. Reflecting that continuity, the exhibit brings together traditional and contemporary works of a wide-range of artists and tribal affiliations showcasing historical motifs reimagined through modern media.
By highlighting Native voices, history, art and stories, the museum builds on its long-standing commitment to presenting Indigenous culture as living, resilient and evolving – an essential part of the ongoing conversation about the valley’s past, present and future. This is a desire Candice hears from many Native people she meets.
“Our goal,” she says, “is for visitors and locals alike to leave with a stronger awareness of the valley’s Native roots, a respect for the endurance of Indigenous communities, and an appreciation for how their contributions continue to be part of our nation’s shared history and identity.”
“This is Native Art” is now open at the Tread of Pioneers Museum in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The exhibit is open through October 2026. For hours, programs and details, visit www.treadofpioneers.org.