From the Smithsonian:
"The Codes We Carry" (2022) brings together a team of sled dogs dressed in tuppies, or blankets, that represent specific diseases.
Artist Erica Lord (Athabascan/Iñupiat) created the blankets using DNA analysis that produces color-coded geometric patterns. Each tiny glass bead correlates to one segment of genetic code. She trimmed the dog blankets with fabric, fringe and bells, as is found in many historic examples.
Lord’s dog blankets represent diseases that have had a particular impact on Alaska Native tribes, such as diphtheria, smallpox, ovarian cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes and COVID-19.
The dogs' blankets carry the disease burdens, but they also deliver the cures: antitoxins and vaccines...

See this piece in “Sharing Honors and Burdens: Renwick Invitational 2023,” with artworks by six Native American or Alaska Native artists, now at our Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery's #RenwickGallery.
#AlaskaNativeArtists #NativeAmericanArtists

I’m outside @smithsonian’s #RenwickGallery in Washington DC tonight with other Hongkongers protesting #HKETO’s #LunarNewYear event. HKETO is an extended branch of the PRC govt. that spies on our diaspora communities — we call on @SmithsonianSec to STOP working them. #NoToHKETO https://nitter.hongkongers.net/jooeysiiu/status/1619126505929601025#m

@jooeysiiu RT by @hkdc_us: I’m outside @smithsonian’s #RenwickGallery in Washington DC tonight with other Hongkongers protesting #HKETO’s #LunarNewYear event. HKETO is an extended branch of the PRC govt. that spies on our diaspora communities — we call on @SmithsonianSec to STOP working them. #NoToHKETO https://nitter.hongkongers.net/jooeysiiu/status/1619126505929601025#m

@hkdc_us RT by @AnnaKwokFY: #HongKongers are outside @smithsonian’s #RenwickGallery in DC tonight protesting HK Economic&Trade Office’s #LunarNewYear event. We call on @SmithsonianSec to STOP working w HK govt & #CCP. They’ve stripped HKers of autonomy & #HumanRights. 1,325 #PoliticalPrisoners & counting. https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1619115843606183939#m

R to @hkdc_us: Most Americans #StandWithHongKong. Yesterday @POTUS renewed DED for #HongKongers in the US. We have bi-partisan support in Congress. What’s wrong w @smithsonian @americanart #RenwickGallery? Working w this dictatorship contradicts your own values. @SmithsonianSec, say #NoToHKETO! https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1619122474154852355#m

R to @hkdc_us: Here’s the flyer we’re handing out at #RenwickGallery tonight. While @smithsonian, a US public institution, works w HKETO, our brothers & sisters sit in prison in #HongKong. Even those not in prison are unfree—stripped of freedoms of expression, assembly, association. #NoToHKETO https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1619117935574011904#m

R to @hkdc_us: We are handing out flyers saying PLEASE DON’T ATTEND THIS EVENT. @smithsonian’s @NatAsianArt has stopped working w HKETO but @americanart & #RenwickGallery are holding #LunarNewYear events w HKETO & Chinese Embassy. Enough! @smithsoniansec, say #NoToHKETO! https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1619116840487383041#m

#HongKongers are outside @smithsonian’s #RenwickGallery in DC tonight protesting HK Economic&Trade Office’s #LunarNewYear event. We call on @SmithsonianSec to STOP working w HK govt & #CCP. They’ve stripped HKers of autonomy & #HumanRights. 1,325 #PoliticalPrisoners & counting. https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1619115843606183939#m

Sadly @smithsonian’s @americanart is partnering w/ the #CCP on its #LunarNewYear event. This is after @NatAsianArt & #RenwickGallery did the same w/ HKETO. @SmithsonianSec, pls STOP cooperation w/ this oppressive regime that’s jailed over 1,200 #PoliticalPrisoners in #HongKong! https://nitter.hongkongers.net/hkdc_us/status/1611474340490498062#m