No Feathers No Promises reflects on the enduring strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples in the face of historical suppression. In 1883, the Code of Indian Offenses sought to erase tribal nations' religious practices, cultures, and languages. This exhibition draws inspiration from the desperation with which our ancestors secretly upheld traditions to guide and protect our people. As R.H. Pratt famously declared in 1892, “Kill the Indian in him, and save the man,” the forces that sought to diminish our identity have only strengthened our resolve.

Without our feathers, there can be no promises. This exhibition embodies the sacred responsibility to preserve our ancestral heritage, while taking a present stance and forging pathways for the generations to come. These works are a contemporary expression of storytelling, combining modern motifs that break from traditional forms and perspectives. Just as lines and shapes were once drawn in the soil by storytellers, these canvases and forms continue the practice of sharing our collective narrative—honoring the past while standing strong for the future.