TCU is now the proud owner of two paintings by contemporary Comanche/Kiowa artist J. NiCole Hatfield (Nahmi-A-Piah). Both works – “Based on Mrs. Jack Treetop-Standing Rock 1908” and “Based on Quanah Parker” – are on display on the first floor of The Harrison. They were recently unveiled at a reception.

“One of our Native students, after seeing the paintings, expressed how meaningful it was to see these Native American depictions at TCU,” said Scott Langston, liaison for Native American Nations and Communities. “A guest told me that her father, a direct descendant of Quanah Parker and who had hunted from Wichita Falls, was emotional to see these paintings prominently featured in The Harrison.”

Over the past few years, TCU has embarked on a concerted effort to improve its relationship with Native Americans and Indigenous peoples through an initiative that includes a leadership and counseling circle, a land recognition statement, cultural awareness , events and other efforts.

Langston said he was struck by the contrast he experienced at a recent meeting outside TCU hosted by a local civic organization whose representatives only recently learned that a Native American community existed. in the region, compared to TCU where he sees a healthy and growing embrace of this community. .

“That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to create spaces and places on our campus for Native Americans and Indigenous peoples where we can learn from them and associate with them,” Langston said.

Langston said he was especially grateful to Aisha Torrey-Sawyer, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives; Florencio Aranda, Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Coordinator; Lisa Aven, interior designer; Brooke Ruesch, building projects manager; and Sarah Tonemah, a former TCU employee, for helping bring the art exhibit to fruition.

“We owe them a lot,” Langston said. “I am also grateful to our Chancellor and Provost, who continue to open the doors of TCU to Native American and Indigenous peoples.”

Learn more about the artist, J.Nicole Hatfieldand on TCU’s Indigenous and Indigenous Peoples Initiative.