Photovoice is a medium of storytelling for social justice. We highlight how Native American youth draw on cultural heritage to enjoy and promote healthy relationships. Various counter narratives to commonly held stereotypes have emerged from this project. These narratives highlight the wisdom, strength, and power of Native American culture that guide young people in their spiritual, mental, physical and social development.
2. Chief Washakie and Sub Chiefs Healthy Relationships include people following the wisdom and advice from their elders and leaders. Our Chiefs are looking down upon us each day!
3. Shoshone Leader Washakie, Chief of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe, lead his people to victory when he won the Warm Valley from the United States government. They told him that he and his people could choose wherever they wanted to live, and Washakie chose the Warm Valley. Now , the Eastern Shoshone people share the Wind River Reservation with the Northern Arapaho Tribe. If Washakie were alive today, he would have wanted his people to have good relations with their neighbors, the Arapaho. wp
4. Powerful Peace Grand entry on a Friday night, it only means one thing. Pow-wow season is here. The smell of frybread and smoked buckskin in the air. Dancers from different tribes come together to celebrate a time of welcoming. ct
5. The Symbol of My People Traveling throughout the United States, I have had the honor of representing my tribe at different events. No matter where I go, I always take something that reminds me to be proud of my identity and where I come from. Whenever I go to a pow-wow or cultural event, it feels good knowing that my tribe’s legacy is being continued. ls
7. Just Imagine I want to go back, go back in time To see the days that are no longer here To see the days that are just pictures in my mind To the picture that always bring tears I just want to re-live the camping and hunting days The days of fearless and worry free The days of when we were proud to be Native Americans Not proud to be a gangster wanna-be haha bl
8. My Dad Harvey Spoonhunter One of the biggest role models in my life, my dad inspires me to learn my language and be proud of my identity. He also is a leader for his people, something I aspire to be someday.
9. A Mom’s Love This is my friend and her two year old. She got pregnant at a very young age but it doesn’t matter . Because the love for her child never will change.
10. Stronger each day She is a strong young woman with a lot of love for her son. Even though she might regret leaving school and not being able to do things for herself, it doesn’t matter - - Because this bond will never end.
11. Feeling Freedom There is a time – any second or moment or day - when everyone has that kid inside of them - just want to be free from all! The mess or the hurt. But there is a toy, Frybread, loving for forgetting all the things you were mad about. You know you can’t hide it , that kid inside of you. Let the happiness come out. Be yourself again. Love the feeling . You don’t have to be grown up that moment /day / second. Love your Self .
12. Hand In Hand Your hand in mine, that’s when I feel complete. When I’m away for so long all I do is worry about you.
13. Partners in Crime I take the blame for you, because that’s what we do for one another. Like you say, "He's my brother from another mother.” Bond so tight, for a 6 year old and a 17 month old.
14. Reservation Motivation Basketball is what inspires most people on any reservation. From playing on a dirt court to wooden floors-- It can be your ticket out.
15. My Sister Harmony One of my heroes is my sister because she knows how to walk in two worlds with honor. When she went off to school, she was able to maintain her culture while pursuing her educational goals.
16. UNITY The Organization that changed my life forever. I believe I would not have been involved in any major event had it not been for unity.
17. Obama 2008 An Historic Year and lifetime memories. 2008 was one of the busiest years of my life. I had the distinct honor of campaigning for the candidate that would become our nation’s President.
18. A Power Higher than you! Healthy Relationships will remain stronger when you have a solid spiritual base. Two people working together toward a positive direction. I see the Creator all around us!
