The Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul has opened a groundbreaking new exhibition called "Queering Indigeneity," featuring works by 16 queer Indigenous artists and makers. The exhibition, which opened Thursday in the Nancy and John Lindahl Gallery, places LGBTQ and two-spirit Indigenous artists at the center of cultural conversation while highlighting traditional teachings and contemporary artistic expression.

Visitors are immediately greeted by a massive quilt displaying a kaleidoscope of colors at the exhibition entrance. Curator and artist Penny Kagigebi, along with supporting curator Ben Gessner, carefully selected this opening display after extensive consideration of the visitor experience. Positioned next to the vibrant quilt sits a birch bark basket created by Kagigebi herself, crafted with textiles, porcupine quills, and seed beads that retell an important Ojibwe story about two-spirit people.

"We make art to remember Aadizookaan, our oral tradition that carries cultural teachings," Kagigebi explained. The basket's narrative specifically honors two-spirit ancestors, identifying them as beings existing between woman and man who provided essential balance as ancestors traveled from the stars. The term "two-spirit" refers to nonbinary definitions of gender and sexuality within Native traditions, representing a cultural understanding that predates Western concepts of LGBTQ identity.

Kagigebi, who serves as the exhibition's curator, emphasizes the importance of centering queer Indigenous voices rather than simply advocating for tolerance. "In Native communities, if there's conversation about two-spirit and Native queer people, we're addressed in terms that people should be welcoming or accepting, which sounds like tolerating to me again," she said. Instead, Kagigebi aims to shift the dialogue toward respect and care for queer Indigenous people, recognizing their unique contributions and gifts to their communities.

The exhibition features diverse artistic mediums and powerful personal narratives. Self-taught artist Sharon Day has several pieces on display, including a brightly colored glass mosaic depicting herself receiving gifts from a sky spirit. "I am standing there to receive that. You always see these images of spiritual connection with spirit beings really being male dominated, right. But here is this feminine force," Day explained, highlighting the importance of representing diverse spiritual experiences.

Ojibwe photographer and multimedia artist Ryan Young contributes a compelling series of portraits enhanced with beaded soundwaves. These visual representations capture intimate conversations Young has had with close friends and family members, with the intricate beadwork inviting viewers to lean in for closer examination. "I think a big thing, especially for younger folks, is being able to have those spaces to ask questions or to learn more about two-spirit history and just being able to recognize the importance of being able to hold that kind of space for each other," Young said.

Dakota and Assiniboine artist Delia Touché presents works that blend traditional techniques with contemporary messages. Her contributions include a brightly colored triptych of masks alongside an abstract quilt inspired by traditional star quilts. The quilt's small fabric blocks reveal text reading "Running on Indian time" when viewed from a distance, referencing Indigenous approaches to time and temporality that differ from Western concepts.

Beyond showcasing artistic talent, the exhibition serves as a professional development platform for participating artists. Kagigebi has ensured that each contributor receives professional photography of their work, supporting their career advancement and artistic documentation. "What I know is that we have special gifts, and we have these things to bring forward," Kagigebi stated, emphasizing the inherent value and contributions of queer Indigenous artists.

The exhibition represents more than a temporary display; it embodies a vision for long-term cultural impact and community connection. Kagigebi, who lives in northwest Minnesota, plans to attend the exhibition's reception in October while ensuring the work reaches reservation communities across the state. She envisions the exhibition as a catalyst for ongoing artistic and personal development among the featured artists.

"Queering Indigeneity" will remain on display at the Minnesota Museum of American Art through August 16, 2026, with a reception scheduled for October 11. The extended timeline reflects the museum's commitment to providing sustained visibility for these important artistic voices and cultural teachings, allowing for continued community engagement and educational opportunities throughout the exhibition's run.