Colorado Town Reaches Settlement with Native Artist in Free Speech Lawsuit
In a significant resolution to a civil rights lawsuit, Húŋkpapȟa Lakȟóta painter Danielle SeeWalker reached a settlement with the town of Vail, Colorado. The legal dispute arose after the town canceled her artist residency over a pro-Palestine artwork, leading to an American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) intervention. The lawsuit accused Vail of infringing on SeeWalker’s free speech rights.
The settlement includes several progressive steps. Vail committed to fund an art program for underrepresented and economically disadvantaged communities and pledged to host an annual powwow led by SeeWalker for the next five years. These initiatives aim to foster opportunities for marginalized artists, especially Native American creators, in Vail.
SeeWalker expressed her intent to use the settlement to provide benefits for other artists in the community, highlighting the missed opportunity she experienced due to the cancellation of her residency. Vail also agreed to sponsor a community forum on Israel and Palestine and conduct an Indigenous-led cultural sensitivity training for its Arts and Public Places Department employees.
This legal and cultural precedent comes after Vail revoked SeeWalker’s participation in its Art in Public Places artist residency program. The town cited the use of public funds as justification for its decision, focusing on the divisive nature of geopolitical subjects. SeeWalker had posted “G for Genocide,” a personal work connecting experiences of Palestinians with those of Native Americans, which was unrelated to her proposed public mural.
SeeWalker conveyed satisfaction with the settlement, prioritizing community-centric outcomes over personal grievances. Her actions are informed by her father’s advice to speak up as no one else might. This resolution illustrates a commitment to promoting dialogue and inclusion within the art community.
A response from Vail and the ACLU to inquiries regarding the implementation of the settlement’s terms remains pending.