From 1922 to 2025, the Southwest Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) has stood as a powerful platform, not only for showcasing Native American art, but for amplifying the voices and stories of the artists behind the work. As President of the Navajo Nation, I was honored to attend the SWAIA Gala on the evening of Saturday, August 16, and witness firsthand the spirit and resilience that lives within our Native artists.
The Annual Santa Fe Indian Market, held in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. They come searching not only for once-in-a-lifetime art pieces, but for meaningful connections with the once-in-a-lifetime artists who create them. These aren’t just transactions, they are moments of cultural exchange, of history being shared and futures being shaped.
That evening, I had the opportunity to connect with outstanding artists such as George Rivera, Naiomi Glasses and Cody Sanderson. Listening to their stories, understanding their creative processes, and seeing how deeply rooted their work is in culture and identity was both inspiring and humbling. These artists, and so many others, continue to break barriers while honoring traditions that stretch back generations.
SWAIA is more than an art market, it’s a celebration of Indigenous excellence. I am proud to stand with and support our Native artists as they continue to lead, inspire, and elevate Indigenous voices across the world. The future of Native art is bright, and I look forward to all it will continue to become.
-Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren