Understanding Indigeneity in the Era of Decolonization

Cynthia L. Vidaurri is a folklorist in the research department of the National Museum of the American Indian and has worked in cultural representation for some 35 years.

She has published book chapters and articles on a variety of cultural expressions. She has curated several museum exhibitions, Smithsonian Folklife Festival programs, and digital exhibitions. She has also developed and led training programs for universities, museums, and community organizations. Her exhibition, "El Rio" (co-curated with Olivia Cadaval), won the Smithsonian Education Innovation Award and the Américo Paredes Prize of the American Folklore Society. Her sound recording on Folkways Recordings, Taquachito Nights won the 2000 South Texas Conjunto Association Album of the Year award.

Cynthia’s research interests include cultural identity, cultural/heritage tourism, the politics of cultural representation, traditional beliefs, and ranching culture. She has worked extensively in Mexico, Cuba, and the U.S. Southwest and worked on projects in Viet Nam, Cambodia, and Bermuda.

During her time at the Smithsonian, she was a curator/researcher at the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and served on a detail to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Before moving to Washington, she taught at Texas A & M University—Kingsville. She has an M.A. in sociology/anthropology from Texas A&I University and a B.S. from the University of Texas.