Born of the Bear Dance - Special Exhibition Opening - OMCA Great Hall

Before You Are Here: Decolonial Cartographies and the Indigenous Bay Area Prepare to bear witness to a powerful expression of Native Californian cultural legacies with the opening of OMCA’s latest special exhibition, Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California, coming Friday, November 8, 2024. Through the lens of celebrated Native photographer Dugan Aguilar, this exhibition offers a first look at his vibrant collection exploring the tapestry of contemporary Native Californian life. Aguilar’s work, spanning from 1982 till his death in 2018, defies colonial narratives, showcasing an unwavering Indigenous presence and dynamic cultural practices. From breathtaking California landscapes to intimate gatherings, ceremonies, basket weaving artistry, and portraits of Native war veterans, Aguilar’s photographs document a rich and nuanced array of California Native experiences. Each image is a testament to moments of profound cultural significance, weaving together stories of resilience and unyielding vitality that define contemporary Native life. More than simple documents, Aguilar’s photographs radiate a sense of quiet but determined celebration and resistance. Drawing from Aguilar’s extensive photographic archive, gifted to OMCA by his family in 2021, this collection comes to life through video, audio, and narratives from Native artists, activists, elders, and community members. Join us in celebrating this significant collection and experience the diverse voices of California’s Native peoples as they shape the present and future. Tickets for Special Exhibition access are available here for guests, and are free for Museum Members. opening day TICKETs Free MEMBER TICKETS Major support for Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board. Accessibility  Oakland Museum of California \(OMCA\) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language \(ASL\), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options. Return to Events