Leslie Wheelock

SWAIA News:

The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA) is pleased to announce the Executive Committee of its Board of Directors for 2026. The former Chair of the Board, Dawn Houle, and the former Treasurer of the Board, Tom Teagarden, have reached the end of their terms as Executive Committee Chair and Treasurer, respectively. Both Dawn and Tom will continue to play important roles supporting the organization’s continuing growth. SWAIA thanks both Dawn and Tom for their service, leadership, and dedication. Their commitment and contributions have played an important role in moving SWAIA forward and shaping what the organization is today.

Leslie Wheelock has been appointed new Board Chair. Wheelock is a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, and the first Native American to serve as a trustee at Cornell University. She owns and operates Wheelock Consulting, PLLC, specializing in tribal legal, business, and management consulting, and also serves on the Board of the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. She has served on SWAIA’s board of directors since 2024.

SWAIA’s 2026 Executive Committee also includes Vice Chair, JoAnn Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation); Secretary, Randy Chitto (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians); and Treasurer, Nicole Johnnie (Navajo Nation).

“Empowered Resilience: Centuries in the Making,” is SWAIA’s 2026 tagline, setting the tone for the year ahead as the organization continues to champion Native North American artists year-round. This year’s 104th annual Santa Fe Market will take place Saturday, Aug. 15, and Sunday, Aug. 16. For more information and to plan your visit, see swaia.org.