08/23/2026
Growing up, exposure to my Lakota culture meant everything to me. And it still does. So when my aunt requested photos in our traditional ribbon skirts, of course the answer was yes.
Years ago, I remember searching Ancestry.com looking for photos and records of those who came before me. I came up empty-handed. Historically, Indigenous identities have faced so much erasure, and not being able to see the faces of my ancestors left a void I couldn’t fill.
Photos are more than just images — they are a legacy. They are proof of existence, strength, and joy.
Creating these portraits of my grandma and aunt isn’t just about taking a nice picture; it’s about making sure our history is documented, honored, and passed down. It’s building the archive I wish I had growing up, so the generations after us never have to search in vain to see where they came from.
💛 🖤 🤍 ❤️ 🪶
