Where are you from?
Swinomish and Tulalip, the Salmon People that belong to the tides of the Coast Salish Sea, which is also recognized as The Puget Sound in Washington State.
What is Project 562?
It is a five year documentary project dedicated to photographing over 562 Tribal Nations in The United States, with the primary goal to "change the way we see Native America". Eventually, Project 562 will culminate into a series of exhibitions, books, curricula, website, blog and social media content. By exposing the tenacity and richness of contemporary Native life, Project 562 will educate beyond the stereotypical 19th century image, encouraging a global shift in the consciousness toward Native Americans.
What was the first portrait you remember taking?
I remember taking my cousin Carlina's pregnancy portrait while I was still in high school.
What motivates you to create?
It’s all for my people. Our children need the opportunity to see themselves differently and to imagine a life for themselves that includes equality, justice, hope, beauty, and most importantly, truth.