Route 66

Route 66 is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and an exhibit in Santa Fe highlights how the Mother Road both exploited Indigenous cultures, and created opportunities for Native American artists. Executive Director for the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) Danyelle Means (Oglala Lakota) spoke with KUNM about the show “Route 66 is Indian Country.”

Route 66 turns 100 this year. The road has carried travelers from all walks of life. That includes people in the LGBTQ+ community who are now making efforts to document their history on the Mother Road.

Many initiatives are underway to celebrate the 100th birthday of Route 66, including an event at the International District Library in Albuquerque, located right on the Mother Road. Organized by Together for Brothers, a Zine-making event will be held on Tuesday to document the history of queer culture on Route 66.

Downtown Albuquerque’s newest addition was unveiled last Monday — a public toilet. The Portland Loo sits directly on the Civic Plaza’s south end, and is wrapped in Route 66 regalia.

The storied road has sparked all kinds of popular culture. Now, coming up on its 100th birthday, it’s getting a classical suite made for it.

Route 66, which stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles, endures in the minds of many as a road that represented the freedom of jumping in a car and heading…