Our Stories
Captured Our Way
Photography by
Dr.
Amplifying Indigenous Narratives in Education & Beyond
Photographing Indigenous Peoples and Communities is a tremendous honor and sacred responsibility I take seriously because historically, Indigenous Peoples have been exploited through photography and other forms of media, especially in the field of education. As an Indigenous photographer in education and beyond, I capture images that honorably amplify Our Stories, Our Way!
OUR PEOPLE
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OUR COMMUNITIES
Indigenous Storytelling and
Intellectual Property Statement
Indigenous Imprint: 1884 Carlisle Indian Industrial School student body photo. Courtesy of the Cumberland County Historical Society, Carlisle, PA.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples and Communities have told stories, and we will continue to tell them for generations to come. As the ways we share our stories evolve, photography and videography have become powerful mediums for conveying Indigenous experiences and truths. My storytelling approach is grounded in sophisticated Indigenous methodologies, epistemologies, and intellectual Ways of Knowing and Being. Guided by my cultural map (Cajete, 2000), I follow pathways that honor and amplify Indigenous narratives, particularly within the field of education.
In 1879, the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was established as the first off-reservation boarding school in the United States. Nearly 7,800 Indigenous youth and young adults from more than 200 Tribal Communities across the country were brought to Carlisle. The school’s mission was to assimilate Indigenous children and strip them of their languages, cultures, and identities. In particular, a local photographer captured numerous images of these children, including the well-known before and after portraits of Tom Torlino (Diné) and the 1884 student body photograph of uniformed Indigenous youth standing before the superintendent’s quarters (pictured above). The school operated until 1918, leaving behind a legacy of deep intergenerational trauma and ongoing healing.
These photographs document an era of forced assimilation and attempted erasure of Indigenous identities. Within the walls of the boarding school, Indigenous students were rarely the ones behind the camera. They were the subjects, captured, displayed, and interpreted through non-Indigenous lenses. The resulting images were often used as propaganda to promote the illusion of success and progress, masking the cultural genocide and profound suffering taking place on that very campus.
In response to this legacy, my mission is to amplify the voices and stories of Indigenous Peoples through writing, photography, social media, videography, mentorship, and advocacy. I hold deep respect for the responsibility that comes with telling stories and handling Indigenous intellectual property. Every story shared with me is a sacred trust. As a storyteller and content creator, I am accountable to the individuals, families, and Tribal Nations who entrust me with their truths. I am deeply honored to help share Our Stories, Our Way!
My Photography Story
My interest in photography began in 2009 when I bought my first iPhone. At the time, I used my iPhone 4S as an assistive technology tool. If I could not clearly see an object, I would take a photo and zoom in. This method was especially helpful for reading signs and fine print, and I still use it today.
In the early 2010s, I began experimenting with photography and videography apps like Instagram and iMovie. The positive feedback I received on my images and short films encouraged me to deepen my practice and learn to shoot with Canon DSLR cameras.
Since I did not initially own a DSLR, I rented camera equipment from the University of Arizona’s Information Technology Services. I taught myself how to use the equipment by watching tutorials and learning alongside mentors during photography sessions. What began as a practical tool quickly became one of my favorite creative outlets, one that continues to enrich both my personal and professional life.
Today, I photograph with a Canon Mark IV. My favorite lenses are the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM III and the Canon EF 24–70mm f/2.8L USM II. I also enjoy shooting with my iPhone and editing my photos in the mobile Lightroom app.
Photography is storytelling, and I am honored to use my lens to amplify the narratives of Indigenous Peoples and beyond.
