Aspen and Cameron Decker: Q̓ʷeyq̓ʷay 'Buffalo' is Our Good Medicine

April 3 - July 25, 2026

MAM is honored to present Q̓ʷeyq̓ʷay 'Buffalo' is Our Good Medicine, an exhibition that brings past and present into conversation, carrying forward cultural knowledge through storytelling, research, and material practice. The Deckers’ work is deeply collaborative and grounded in education, cultural continuity, and care for the communities and histories that sustain it.

This exhibition explores the profound importance of the buffalo to Tribal communities, specifically the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, through ledger art on paper and hide, sculpture, and multi-media works. The exhibition also acknowledges the history of extermination campaigns that targeted bison as a strategy to subjugate Indigenous people.

Aspen Decker is an enrolled member of the T̓at̓ayáqn, Ql̓isp̓é & Sqlsé (Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) and a Nsélišcn (Salish language) educator who holds a Montana Class 7 Native American Language and Cultural Educator license. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Tribal Historic Preservation from Salish Kootenai College and a master’s degree in Linguistics from the University of Montana. Aspen maintains Shining Camas Studio, where she works primarily in ledger art.

Cameron Decker is Diné, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and a descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. He holds a Master of Arts in Integrated Arts Education and is the former chair of Fine Arts at Salish Kootenai College. Together, Aspen and Cameron founded Xʷlxʷilt "Alive and Well" a Séliš Education organization dedicated to expanding access to authentic Indigenous education experiences.

Aspen Decker, Xʷxʷy̓épełp Q̓ʷeyq̓ʷay 'Rosehip Buffalo' Indicator

Cameron Decker, Bones as Far as He Could See