©Dugan Aguilar, Sandra Lowry

Step into a vibrant Native California through photographs by Dugan Aguilar and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band

Pinnacles National Monument Cultural Burn, 2011

Native American photographer Dugan Aguilar’s  self-described purpose is to “show Natives alive and well.” For almost forty years, Dugan traveled across California to photograph gatherings where California Indian people meet. Featuring stunning photographs by Dugan Aguilar and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, this exhibition offers an authentic and current view of California Indian people, communities, and land.  

The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is comprised of the living descendants of the Mutsun speakers of the greater San Juan Bautista area, and the Awaswas speakers of the greater Santa Cruz area, who have continually occupied the greater Monterey Bay area for countless generations prior to European contact.

Dugan Aguilar  comes from the Mountain Maidu, Washoe, Pit River, and Walker River Paiute People of California and Nevada. He was staff photographer for the California Indian Basketweavers Association and California Indian Storytellers Association. He resides in Northern California and attended UC Santa Cruz.  

This exhibition is a partnership with Exhibit Envoy, Heyday, the Native Fund, Theresa Harlan, Dugan Aguilar, and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band.

Upcoming Exhibit Related Events:

History Jam 3rd Friday Festival at the MAH

May 19th, 6-9pm

Join Dugan Aguilar in the gallery to learn stories behind his photographs. 

Native Histories Lecture by Tsim Schneider at UCSC

Sat May 20th, 1-3pm, Cervantes and Valesquez Conference Room, Bay Tree Building at UCSC

Learn about Native histories, colonial lives, and the archaeology of post-mission landscape in California with Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Tsim Schneider

MAH Members Native Plant Tour with Amah Mutsun Tribal Members

Friday May 26th, 10am-12pm, UC Santa Cruz Arboretum

Step outside for an intimate tour of California native plants with Amah Mutsun Tribal Chairman Lopez, Amah Mutsun Tribal Members, and Rick Flores, the Curator of the UCSC Arboretum California Native Plant Collection. *Only 20 spots available for MAH Members.

Amah Mutsun Land Trust Volunteer Work Day at the San Juan Bautista State Historic Park

Second Saturday of each month, from 10:30am-2:30pm

Gather outside in the Mutsun Gardens and help native plants grow. Please RSVP or ask any questions by emailing Jay Scherf at jay.scherf@gmail.com

Amah Mutsun Land Trust Volunteer Work Day at the Pie Ranch

Third Saturday of each month, from 1:00-5:00pm

Gather outside in the Mutsun Gardens at Pie Ranch and help native plants grow. At the end of the work day, Pie Ranch hosts a potluck and barn dance, which volunteers are invited to join. Please RSVP by emailing Julisa Lopez at jujlopez@ucsc.edu

Past Exhibit Related Events

Drum Fest at UC Santa Cruz

Sat April 22nd, 12-4pm, Family Student Housing Field. *on the corner of Heller Drive and Empire Grade, parking is free on the weekends.

Celebrate Indigenous Cultures of the Americas with dance, food, and fun. Produced by the UCSC American Indian Resource Center.

Free First Friday Opening at the MAH

Friday April 7th, 5-9pm

Celebrate the opening of She Sang Me A Good Luck Song with live music, a talk by Amah Mutsun Tribal Chairman Lopez at 5:30pm, and a seed bomb art activity for all ages.

Beyond Borders 3rd Friday Festival at the MAH

Friday April 21st, 6-9pm

Break through borders of all kinds alongside inspiring local organizations fighting for political, cultural and artistic justice. 

This exhibition is a partnership with Exhibit Envoy, Heyday, the Native Fund, Theresa Harlan, Dugan Aguilar, and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band