Celebrate Indigenous Knowledge and Fire as Medicine in OMCA’s Newest Exhibition

This Indigenous Peoples Day, OMCA honors the enduring knowledge, sovereignty, and stewardship of Native communities who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. Beginning Friday, November 7, experience this deep connection through Good Fire: Tending Native Lands, a powerful new special exhibition in OMCA’s Great Hall.

For generations, Native peoples in Northern California and beyond have practiced cultural burning—carefully controlled “good fire” used to nurture healthy landscapes, enhance biodiversity, and pass on important traditions. Rather than a force of destruction, fire is presented in this exhibition as a tool of healing, balance, sovereignty, and cultural flourishing.

Through immersive storytelling, the exhibition showcases fire-scarred trees, ceremonial regalia, traditional basketry, and artworks by Native Californian artists such as Saif Azzuz (Yurok/Libyan)  and the late Brian D. Tripp (Karuk). These elements come together to reframe our relationship with fire and honor some of the many Native communities who—despite ongoing colonial repression— continue to steward their lands with intention and care.

Good Fire invites visitors to reflect on the importance of Native ecological practices and their vital role in building a more sustainable and just future for all.