On July 18, in the Allan Houser Art Park at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA), art luminaries, scholars, educators, and legislators gathered to bid farewell to a man who has etched an indelible legacy in the history of Indigenous education. Dr. Robert Martin (Cherokee Nation), president of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA), was honored by the IAIA board of trustees, his colleagues, and educators who have taught and worked under his guidance and vision at IAIA since 2007. Dr. Martin’s career in Indigenous education spans 40 years.

Dr. Martin has guided IAIA through a period of transformative growth and creativity. During his tenure, IAIA launched multiple new degree programs—including three MFA tracks. He expanded scholarships, constructed new campus facilities and family housing, and forged partnerships with leading organizations such as Nike, Disney, AMC, SWAIA, and the Jane Goodall Institute.

A few of the event’s speakers included IAIA board of trustees vice chair Loren Kieve (Cherokee Nation), former U.S. Senator Tom Udall of New Mexico, IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts (MoCNA) director Patsy Phillips (Cherokee Nation), IAIA board of trustees chair Beverly Wright-Morris (Unangax̂), IAIA incoming president Dr. Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), and IAIA Foundation chair Michael Pettit.

In her speech honoring Dr. Martin, Wright-Morris said, “I just want to say “thank you” to Dr. Martin for 18 years of your dedication. With wisdom and insight, you brought our beloved college the status of a university. You oversaw the building of a first-class campus for our artists to create in, but most importantly, thank you for your commitment to the success of our students and scholars through collaboration with other TCUs. Students across the nation benefit from your passion for education. Your presence on campus will be missed.”

Speaking of Dr. Martin’s illustrious career, Dr. Shelly C. Lowe, IAIA’s incoming president, said, “It’s been a joy to watch what Bob has done in his time at IAIA. To give you a little bit of background information, he received the National Humanities Medal in October of this past year. He was only one of six Native Americans who have ever received the National Humanities Medal. It was an amazing day to see his leadership, his testament to Native education and Native communities, and I cried when he wore his medal at the IAIA commencement. As Navajos, we are taught to walk in beauty. I’ve never met a Cherokee who walks in beauty so well, but I know he has a partner who teaches him and makes sure he does so. Bob and Luci Tapahonso (Navajo).”

Dr. Martin offered his thanks with trademark humility and grace. “I think what I’ve enjoyed over my career with TCUs is when you ask students about the mission of their institution,” he said. “They have a strong belief in it and making a difference in their communities and the United States, and the world. So, I think that commitment to practice their arts, to make a difference in the world, makes it really fulfilling to see that happen.”

Martin went on to add: “I just want to express my gratitude to all of you for being with us this evening. It makes a world of difference for me. I am so grateful. I’m so humbled by it and I’m looking forward to the future of the Institute of American Indian Arts. I know it’s going to grow, to address the needs of our students, to allow them to express their creativity and innovation, and to benefit their communities and others. So, thank you very much. I love all of you. Wado! Thank you!”