President Ronald Reagan Receiving a Native American Painting from John Nieto in The Oval Office
8/5/1982
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President Reagan and Santa Fe artist John Nieto (Mescalero Apache) stand in the Oval Office. Behind them is the painting, Delegate to the White House, a contemporary-style depiction of a Native American man in traditional dress.
Since before the White House was constructed, Native delegations have met with U.S. presidents to negotiate treaties, defend tribal sovereignty, reinforce existing treaties, and establish alliances. According to Nieto, the painting depicts Indigenous groups’ “historic relationship with many Chief Executives.”
The painting remained at the White House through Reagan’s presidency and is now a part of Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum collection.
Since before the White House was constructed, Native delegations have met with U.S. presidents to negotiate treaties, defend tribal sovereignty, reinforce existing treaties, and establish alliances. According to Nieto, the painting depicts Indigenous groups’ “historic relationship with many Chief Executives.”
The painting remained at the White House through Reagan’s presidency and is now a part of Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum collection.
This primary source comes from the Collection RR-WHPO: White House Photographic Collection.
National Archives Identifier: 75856951
Full Citation: C9560-8; President Ronald Reagan Receiving a Native American Painting from John Nieto in The Oval Office; 8/5/1982; Reagan White House Photographs, January 20, 1981–January 20, 1989; Collection RR-WHPO: White House Photographic Collection; Ronald Reagan Library, Simi Valley, CA. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/documents/document/president-reagan-native-american-painting-john-nieto, October 13, 2024]Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.
