Shifting Topographies: Extracting the Landscape Exhibit Closing Reception and Discussion with Tó Nizhóní Ání
On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Tó Nizhóní Ání (TNA) closed out the SHIFTING TOPOGRAPHIES: Extracting the Landscape exhibit at the Coconino Center for the Arts (CCA) in Flagstaff, AZ.
In the early Fall, our organization was approached by members of the CCA, who invited us to be part of their fall exhibit. In the spirit of the late Klee Benally, our organization submitted written pieces highlighting three key issues impacting the Navajo Nation. These issues were uranium transport across western Navajo, gas expansion in the Four Corners Region, and, lastly, reclamation issues on Black Mesa.
The evening started with some light Diné refreshments such as tóshchíín (blue corn mush), be’estł’óní (blue corn tamales), and ch’il ahwééh (Navajo tea) before the presentation began. Creative Flagstaff executive director Julie Comnick opened the show with a short recap of the exhibit and the artist involved, followed by TNA executive director Nicole Horseherder.
Nicole shared some encouraging words with the audience about our organization’s connection to the late Klee Benally before discussing our work and where we came from. Lastly, Nicole passed it off to the TNA media organizer, Adrian Herder, who discussed our current efforts on Black Mesa and in the Navajo Nation regarding the just transition.
Tó Nizhóní Ání would like to thank everyone who joined us at the closing reception, as well as the team at Creative Flagstaff for accommodating our team. We want to thank the Coconino Center for the Arts for working to highlight critical issues impacting the region. Consider supporting this organization this holiday season.
