MIAC executive director to retire in August

Jun. 27—ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — When Della Warrior took the helm at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in 2013, she had a vision to make the state museum better.

After eight years, Warrior (Otoe-Missouria) is set to retire on Aug. 27.

During her tenure, Warrior helped strengthen the museum's collection of Native art and anthropological artifacts.

MIAC showcased 30 exhibitions, including "Turquoise, Water & Sky," "Footprints: The Inspiration and Influence of Allan Houser," "Indian Country: The Art of David Bradley," and "Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass."

Warrior is also responsible for leading the revision and development of the permanent and well-known exhibition "Here, Now and Always," scheduled to open in June 2022.

"It has been my great privilege, honor, and pleasure to serve as the executive director of the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture," Warrior says. "I have enjoyed the work immensely and found it interesting, exciting, challenging, and rewarding. Through the position, I have worked with some wonderful and creative individuals and made many terrific friends."

She credits working with the New Mexico Foundation in helping get "Here, Now and Always" to fruition.

"My perspective has been that visitors coming to MIAC want to learn about Native people and their culture from Native people, and so I have strived always to have Native artists and community members engaged in all of our programs and exhibitions," she says.

According to the Department of Cultural Affairs, Matthew Martinez will serve as interim director after Warrior's retirement.

The Museum of New Mexico Board of Regents will oversee the search for Warrior's permanent replacement.