Heather Ahtone

Heather Ahtone is a Senior Curator at the First Americans Museum (FAM) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oklahoma's School of Art and Art History. She holds undergraduate degrees in Creative Writing and Printmaking, and a doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Art History, Anthropology, Native American Studies). A citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and descendant of Choctaw women, her work focuses on integrating Indigenous perspectives into broader cultural narratives.

Education background includes undergraduate studies in Creative Writing and Printmaking, culminating in a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Art History, Anthropology, and Native American Studies.

Her research and curatorial work emphasize the interdisciplinary study of Indigenous and Native American art within the context of U.S. history and culture. She focuses on documenting the evolution of tribal design and cultural expression, particularly through exhibitions and scholarly writing. Ahtone’s approach seeks to center Indigenous voices and perspectives in mainstream cultural discourse.

At the University of Oklahoma, Ahtone taught courses such as “American Indian Women in Art.” Details on grants or advising are not provided in the text.

Currently, she leads the development of inaugural exhibitions at the First Americans Museum, a 175,000 sq. ft. facility showcasing the histories, cultures, and arts of Oklahoma’s 39 Tribal Nations.