Along with considering Indigenous language names for places all over the modern
map of the Americas, Indigenous peoples’ original presence is evidenced through
the major highways winding throughout the land. Using the maps below you can
see how today’s roadways mirror some of the original Indigenous trails and travel
routes. Early people had extensive routes that criss-crossed the continent for
purposes of trade, important social functions such as ceremonies, sports, relaying
messages, and addressing conflict.
Nonlinear, or circular, forms of narrative are part of Indigenous research methodology, against the traditional European, linear thinking. This is part of our work to decolonize our curatorial approach.
Sally Brown, Exhibit Coordinator
The next time you’re outdoors, take time to consider that other people have walked
on this same ground for thousands
of years. Cultures are always evolving and adapting. Study the maps shown here
and consider what a map of this place might look like 100 or 500 years from now. Will
future generations use maps? Tell stories about where one place is,
relative to another? Illustrate how much our populated places have changed
compared to today?