Kim Peone: Executive Director of SWAIA - Epi. 111, Host Dr. Mark Sublette

I had Kim Peone on the podcast today who is the newest Executive Director of the non-profit organization SWAIA (Southwestern Association For Indian Arts). Every year SWAIA's banner event the Santa Fe Indian Market brings in millions of dollars for Native artisans and acts as a huge boost for the local economy. The event is always in the third week of August and I myself have had the privilege of attending for the past 30 years. Well, this year the event got canceled. For the first time in 99 years, there will be no Indian Market on the Plaza due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. You can imagine the chaos Kim has had to deal with since taking her current position in April. Regardless, Kim and I had this wonderful interview. She speaks on her early years having grown up with two different tribal backgrounds (Colville and Eastern Cherokee) and the road that ultimately led her to Santa Fe. This is a terrific interview and Kim is clearly going to do an exceptional job as Executive Director. There's going to be a virtual Indian Market event held August 1st - 31st. More information can be found on SWAIA's website SWAIA.org.