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Mission & Vision

A bronze sculpture of a Native American woman outside the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture

Mission

The mission of the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture/Laboratory of Anthropology is to serve as a center of stewardship, knowledge, and understanding of the artistic, cultural, and intellectual achievements of the diverse peoples of the Native Southwest.

Vision

A world that recognizes and understands Native peoples as diverse tribes, each with a distinctive history, culture, and language, and each of which is an integral part of the vibrant, historical, and cultural landscape of the American Southwest.

Core Values

Respect

Our respect for the diversity of Native peoples guides our exhibits.

Collaboration and Inclusiveness

We believe that by working with Native communities to include their voice in the exhibits, educational programs, and research we can transform perceptions of Native American arts, cultures, histories, and languages.

Service

Our staff is approachable and accessible, providing quality technical assistance and guidance to the diverse communities we serve.

Stewardship

We are dedicated to responsible stewardship and apply best practices to the care of the collections placed in our trust.

Research & Education

Our commitment to research and study of collections inspires us and others to tell powerful stories of the Native peoples of the Greater Southwest.