August 4, 2026
Origins Art Exhibit Celebrates Indigenous Peoples, Pastoralism and Rangelands
By Nancy Kelsey (Anishinaabe)
Thousands of visitors to the United Nation's New York headquarters had the opportunity to explore the work of Indigenous artists from various parts of the globe in an array of mediums at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in Spring 2026.
The “Walking with the Earth: Nomadic Indigenous Peoples, Traditional Wisdom and Global Futures” exhibit features artworks that celebrate nomadic and pastoralist Indigenous Peoples and emphasizes the importance of traditional knowledge and cultural continuity in shaping sustainable futures.
“It’s an expression of various worldviews and an aesthetic understanding of the nomadic Indigenous Peoples,” said Erjen Khamaganova (Buryat Mongol), a member of the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP), which organized the exhibit, and part of Nia Tero’s Wayfinders Circle team. She added:
“More and more, people are realizing that solutions for the planet's survival may be found in Indigenous teachings.”
The Wayfinders Circle is a network of Indigenous Peoples from across the world who exchange knowledge, culture and spirituality while building solidarity. The Wayfinders Circle is convened by WUISP, Nia Tero and Pawanka Fund.
From a textile made entirely from horsehair to powerful photography of Indigenous Peoples on rangelands to an interactive piece that invites visitors to leave their words and prayers, these works run a memorable gamut reflecting the diversity of Indigenous nomadic Peoples. These incredible pieces of art were created by WUISP Origins Fellows from Central and Inner Asia as well as Africa.
"Origins is a growing network of Indigenous creatives," Khamaganova said. "What is good about this approach is that before we were talking only about the artwork of several fellows who received direct support from Nia Tero."
She added, "But now we are talking about an entire movement really focusing on the revival of their heritage and the spiritual and cultural core of their people. It's really, really inspiring."
The Origins program is led by former fellow and current Director Aibek Bayimbetov. The exhibition is curated by Mirrakhim Toktogulov, a former fellow and country director of Bashat (Origins Kyrgyzstan).
Organizers have created a virtual version of the exhibit, timed in conjunction with the August 2026 U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification. Check it out by clicking here.
Photo: The "Walking the Earth" exhibit was on display in the U.N. Visitors Center at its NYC headquarters. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: A felt and wool hanging in the right foreground by Said Rakhman (Kyrgyzstan) reflects the continuity of Kyrgyz cosmological understanding. Its composition evokes regeneration, balance, and the enduring relationship between people, land, and inherited knowledge. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: This piece, titled "Umai Ene II," is comprised of Cupro nickel on felt, organza silk, lapis lazulis, zircon, vintage silver coins and handspun yak hair ropes. It was created by Altynai Osmoeva (Kyrgyzstan) and is a representation of Umai, the goddess of fertility in Tengrism. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: Artist Munkhtsetseg Batmunkh (Mongolia)'s felt installation - titled Khui Darsan Chuluu (Stone of Life — Embrace of Mother Earth) - incorporates fox-shaped amulets as symbol of protection and intergenerational care.
Photo: Six panels from a piece titled "Zhany Dem" (New Breath) by Aidai Asangulova (Kyrgyzstan) were shown at the "Walking the Earth" exhibit at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in April 2026 in New York. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: (Left) Mirrakhim Toktogulov of Kyrgyzstan and Origins Director Aibek Bayimbetov stand together at the "Walking the Earth" exhibit shown at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in April 2026. (Right) Horsehair tapestry by Alima Tsyrendorzhieva(Buryat communities, Russian Federation). Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: An onlooker views photographs of Gabbra lands in Northern Kenya that hang alongside a tapestry and sculptures at the "Walking the Earth" exhibit at the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in April in New York City. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: 'Infinity' is a collective work created by the Central and Inner Asian cohort of the WUISP Origins Fellowship Program together with theWUISP Council of Elders, offered as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Indigenous Peoples worldwide. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows.
Photo: Description of the "Walking the Earth" exhibit during the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York City in April 2026. Courtesy of WUISP Origins Fellows