Office of Archaeological Studies – Distinguished Lecture at Museum of Indian Arts & Culture – Santa Fe, NM

Join the Office of Archaeological Studies for an engaging evening exploring the protection of Chaco Canyon, a place of profound cultural, historical, and archaeological significance.

The program will feature two distinguished speakers whose experience spans tribal governance, cultural resource protection, and Indigenous law.

Aaron M. Sims, Esq., Partner-Attorney, Chestnut Law Offices

A member of the Pueblo of Acoma, Aaron M. Sims focuses his legal practice on Pueblo tribal government representation and cultural resource protection. He earned his Juris Doctor with an Indian Law Certificate from the University of New Mexico School of Law and holds a bachelor’s degree in Government and Native American Studies from Dartmouth College. His experience includes protecting cultural resources, traditional cultural properties, and culturally significant items.

The Honorable Charles P. Riley, Governor of Acoma Pueblo

Governor Riley has dedicated his career to public service and tribal governance. A citizen of Acoma Pueblo, he served 14 years on the Tribal Council and held leadership positions with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Indian Education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico and brings extensive experience in community development, infrastructure, and tribal administration to his role as Governor.

The lecture will examine the importance of protecting Chaco Canyon’s cultural landscape and the issues surrounding its preservation. A question-and-answer session will follow, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers.

Before the program, guests are invited to mingle and enjoy light refreshments accompanied by music from Adrian Wall (Jemez Pueblo), a talented musician whose sound blends Americana and folk influences with traditional Native flute music.

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday, November 17, 2026
• Time: 5–7 p.m.
• Location: O’Keeffe Theater, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum Hill, Santa Fe

Proceeds support the Office of Archaeological Studies and its work preserving and interpreting New Mexico’s archaeological heritage.

Photo Credit Image 1: Gabriella Marks

Photo Credit Image 2: Gabriella Marks

Photo Credit Image 3: Davis / www.nps.gov

Photo Credit Image 4: Mark Newman/Getty Images