In recognition of Native American Heritage Month in November, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are leaders from the Indigenous community throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.
These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.
Tess Lukey is the associate curator of Native American Art at The Trustees.Jenica Morgan-Smith
Tess Lukey
Age: 30
Community: Lincoln
Her story: Lukey said she has been a “museum person” since a child. It was a place where she saw herself as an artist. But it was also a space she thought needed drastic changes.
“Seeing a drastic need for change in the places I know and love, I took it upon myself to get further educated and then employed for institutions who were interested in making positive change and impact. In general, I always want to make the world a better place. Museums have the power to do that,” Lukey said.
Lukey, an Aquinnah Wampanoag tribal member, has worked for the Museum of Fine Arts and the Society of Arts and Crafts in Boston and the John Sommers Gallery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has also had fellowships at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, and the Hibben Center for Archaeology Study and the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology in Albuquerque.
Lukey said museums are often plagued by historical inaccuracies and stereotypes and are not welcoming to native communities.
As an associate curator of Native American art at The Trustees of Reservations, a non-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization which works to preserve natural and historical places, she is focused on indigenizing museum spaces to not only bring indigenous perspectives but also indigenous voices and ways of being and knowing.
In her words: “Just keep going. Try as much as you can to not get lost in exhaustion. Take frequent breaks — both from life and from work. Allow yourself some grace. Stay grounded in your community and your values. Move forward. Keep moving forward. And as much as you can, know that everything happens for a reason. The journey is going to be hard but believe me, the outcome is worth it.”
We’re always open to hear about more inspiring people. If you’d like to suggest someone else who should be recognized, please fill out this form.
