Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI).

In 2016, Unlocking Silent Histories (USH) was showcased at the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI), where Carlos, Carmen, and Chema took center stage to discuss their films and present the work of their students (USH, 2016). Collaborating with the Maya Traditions Foundation, we also traveled alongside Maya weavers, creating a rich tapestry of shared cultural narratives. 

This event marked a significant shift from the traditional practice of having foreign project founders speak on behalf of communities. Instead, Maya presenters, supported by interpreters, engaged the audience directly, sharing their stories, cultures, and worldviews in their own voices (TallBear, 2013; Todd, 2015; Simpson, 2017; Kovach, 2009).