Growing up, whenever I stayed with my grandmother or visited her, I found myself drawn to her collection of photographs. They were stored in boxes, suitcases, and a few photo albums and I was particularly fascinated by the small black and white photos. I would see the young version of my mom, uncle, aunties, and relatives offering a glimpse into a different era. It sparked a deep fascination in me, like stepping into a time machine. This sparked my passion and curiosity for photography and creating my very own memories, gradually following my grandmother’s footsteps as the memory keeper of the family.

Against this backdrop, the passing of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1975, three years before my birth, emerges as a pivotal moment in our history by granting Native Americans the long-overdue freedom to practice their beliefs. The act of preserving and telling our history becomes an act of resilience in a society where Indigenous people have frequently suffered cruelty and persecution. I want to help restore stories via the lens of photography that have been repressed, acknowledging the hardships and injustices of my ancestors’ past while honoring the profound depth, knowledge, and cultural traditions embedded in our heritage.

This exhibit is more than an artistic project for me. I am reconnecting with my roots and ancestors. It is about giving voice to often-overlooked narratives and ideas, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of Ojibwe identity. Reconnecting with my Ojibwe heritage, learning from Aadizookaanag, Living Legends, and transforming those experiences into visual art is a celebration of perseverance and a tribute to my ancestors' eternal spirit.