Qatar Welcomes Native American Artists for a Historic Cultural Exchange

Strengthening Qatar-USA Relations Through Cultural Exchange

The diplomatic relationship between Qatar and the United States has flourished in recent decades, encompassing political, economic and cultural collaborations. 2022 marked the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Qatar, underscoring the enduring strength of this partnership.

These long lasting ties have been instrumental in cultivating mutual understanding and friendship between the two nations. A testament to this was the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, which celebrated the rich tapestry of both cultures through a series of events and exhibitions.

Celebrating the Legacy of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture

In its tenth annual edition, the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture delivered a multifaceted calendar of bilateral exchanges and experiences held in both nations. This successful partnership between Qatar Museums (QM), the United States Embassy in Doha, and the Embassy of Qatar in the United States hosted an array events and performances.

The programme kicked off with an unforgettable concert at Katara Opera House, with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra and the U.S. Air Forces Central Band sharing the stage. The work of American artist Jeff Koons was shown for the first time in the region, in a landmark exhibition at Gallery Al Riwaq in Doha. Qatar Museums also presented Figures of Speech, an exhibition of the work of artist and designer Virgil Abloh at Fire Station in Doha.

The JEDARIART initiative saw Qatari artists visit major cities across the USA to create meaningful mural art, while an immersive pop-up exhibition, Pearls of Wonder, was held in New York City, inspired by the history of Qatar’s pearling industry. The year also saw an impressive photography exchange, culinary experiences, film screenings, educational programmes and more. 

Captivating Performances by Native American Artists in Doha

As part of the ongoing legacy of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture, Doha welcomed a group of Native American artists representing multiple tribes, including the Ute, Navajo, and Pueblo peoples. These cultural ambassadors shared their vibrant traditions through a series of performances and workshops, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Meet the Artists

The ensemble comprised six esteemed Native American artists and cultural educators:

Albert “Nino” Reyos

Raised on the Ute reservation in Northeastern Utah, Nino is a member of both the Laguna Pueblo and Northern Ute Indian Nations. A master flute performer and traditional dancer, he has showcased his talents across the globe, including prestigious appearances at the 2002 Winter Olympics, 2007 Paralympics Opening Ceremonies in Salt Lake City, the World Expo 2021 in the United Arab Emirates and more. He is the founder of TwoShields Production Company, a Native American Music Award Nominee and a former Grammy voting member.

Tashina Barber

A proud citizen of the Diné Nation, Tashina is part of the Near the Water and the Folded Arms Clans, with deep roots in the Navajo Nation. Having attended a bilingual school on the Navajo reservation, Tashina maintains a proud connection to her heritage and has been an active participant in Pow Wow dancing for over three decades. She holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Utah and is dedicated to supporting college students from all backgrounds in their academic pursuits. 

Kassie John 

Serving as the 2024-2025 Miss Indian World, Kassie is a distinguished representative of the Diné (Navajo) Nation. The descendant of rug weavers and storytellers, she proudly carries forward the culture of her ancestors, and is a cultural goodwill ambassador, representing Native American, Indigenous, and First Nations Tribal Cultures on the international stage. She is proficient in traditional arts, including rug weaving, beading, sewing, and Pow Wow dancing, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Design from the University of Utah.

Phillip Manning

A proud member of the Ute Indian Tribe from Fort Duchesne, Utah, Phillip is a freelance performer specialising in traditional singing and drumming. He is also a master drum maker and song creator, crafting instruments that carry forward ancient traditions and serve as a cultural bridge between historic practices and contemporary audiences.

Patrick Willie

A member of the Navajo Tribe, Patrick is a champion Native American dancer who incorporates education and cultural teachings into his performances. A dedicated cultural steward, Patrick carries with him the legacy of his parents, who were raised on the Navajo reservation in New Mexico. He is passionate about sharing the deep-rooted traditions and stories behind the fancy feather and hoop dances he performs.

Charles Denny

An enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Rocky Boy, Montana, and a proud descendant of the Ute Tribe of Fort Duchesne, Utah, Charles specialises in the traditional Grass Dance. This ceremonial performance is rooted in the traditions of the Northern Plains tribes and represents the preparation of a new campsite. The dance honours the cycle of migration, renewal and connection to the land and community.  Charles is also a renowned hoop dancer, previously winning titles at the World Hoop Dance Championship.
 

The Venue: East-West/West-East Sculpture by Richard Sera

The powerful performances took place at the iconic East-West/West-East sculpture by artist Richard Serra. Located in the Brouq nature reserve, this breathtaking installation is set over a kilometre of desert landscape and is made up of four steel plates, each over fourteen metres in height. Serra's work beautifully enhances the vast, desolate space in the heart of the desert, providing a spectacular setting for these unique and impactful performances. 

Cultural Preservation Through Beading and Art Workshop

In addition to the performances, the Native American artists led a workshop for children and teens titled "Cultural Preservation through Beading and Art" at the M7 learning space on 4th February. Participants explored the history of the First Americans, including the Ute Nation, Navajo, and Pueblo Indians, while learning about their traditional lifestyles, social structures, and efforts to preserve their cultural identity. During the workshop, the young participants created their own friendship bracelets, connecting with indigenous cultural practices. 

In Conclusion

The visit by Native American artists to Qatar exemplified the enduring legacy of the Qatar-USA 2021 Year of Culture. Through the performances and workshops, these ambassadors shared their diverse heritage, promoting intercultural dialogue and respect between the peoples of Qatar and the USA. This event not only celebrated the vibrant traditions of Native American communities but also underscored the power of cultural exchange in bringing people together.

Find out about more upcoming events as part of the Years of Culture programme