Forrest Cuch
In honor of Arlington’s inaugural Indigenous People’s Day, the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum is hosting Ute Elder Forrest Cuch in a virtual event at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 7.
Cuch, Ute tribal elder and former director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, will discuss the history of oppression of the Utah tribes within the context of the Doctrine of Discovery, a principle of international law used to justify centuries of Colonial violence against indigenous peoples.
Cuch will explore the still-present effects of this doctrine and provide insight into a broad range of issues affecting indigenous communities in the United States today. He will also share his thoughts about how to learn from the past and build a more just, equitable world for all.
This one-hour program builds on artist Cyrus Dallin’s lifelong commitment to listening to and learning from the Ute people, with whom he established close relationships during his formative years living in Utah Territory.
Ute from Utah
Cuch is an enrolled member of the Ute Indian Tribe, born and raised on the Uintah and Ouray Ute Indian Reservation. While at the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, Forrest edited the 2003 publication, A History of Utah’s American Indians, featuring the writing and research of indigenous authors and historians. He served as the education director for the Ute tribe and as a planner and administrator for the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah.
He is now a dedicated conservationist and serves on the board of Pax Natura, an organization devoted to fighting climate change. He is also a member of the Friends of the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum advisory committee.
This is Arlington’s first year officially celebrating Indigenous People’s Day. It was passed at Town Meeting last spring. Sarah Burks, co-chair of the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum Board of Trustees, spoke on behalf of the museum in support of the change to the Select Board the previous fall. The Select Board voted to change the holiday, but just for one year. Town Meeting made the change in perpetuity.
This event is free, but donations are welcome.
Register here >> A Zoom link to the program will be sent to your email address once registration is complete.
For more information, contact Nancy Blanton,
This news announcement was published Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.
