Picturing Ourselves
As tribal members, community members, and family members, one of the difficulties we all share are misconceptions portrayed by the media.
Photography has traditionally been used as physical evidence of objects in the world, yet this very fact threatens our sovereignty and selfdetermination if we do not control our representation and maintain awareness of our continued presence.
Legacy
A visit to the Shinnecock Cultural Center and Museum will instill a sense of ancestral pride while walking through the archival portrait collection.
As we appreciate these images of our relatives, it is important to continue the tradition of self preservation and representation for future generations. Our image, stories, and resilience form our legacy and memory for our descendants.
Mapping Ourselves
Land, People, & Identity
Looking at the Shinnecock Reservation on Google Maps in comparison to it’s surrounding communities presents a unique opportunity to represent ourselves using our own means; ultimately reinforcing our connection to our land. Each of our portraits will incorporated into Google Maps as 360 panoramic image, capturing our essential presence and a snapshot of the surrounding area.
Outcome
The portrait collection will be presented publicly on the web (Google Maps and Street View), archived on a personal website (http://www. jeremynative.com), and as a printed photo exhibition at local exhibition spaces (Shinnecock Museum, local Library, etc.) Participants may also request physical or digital copies of their images and their family members.
Getting Involved
Involvement in this project will create a stronger sense of community and offer a place to voice oneself.
1 – Volunteer using any contact method on the back of this brochure. The portrait can be of an individual, a family (partial or full), or with one’s pet for example. The hope is that all residential tribal members will be involved.
2 – Choose a time & location for portrait. This will be an outdoor portrait; on a family front porch, nearby open spaces, or the street.
3 – An audio recorded interview will occur during the time of the shoot or a following appointment. This can be about personal experiences, family, and your association with the place of the portrait.
To schedule an appointment – Please click here:
https://jeremynative.com/shinnecockportraits/portrait-appointment/
About the Photographer
