History Repeats Itself

As a woman of First Nations descent, I have spent much of my time in art school searching for a deeper understanding of my identity; grounded in the traditions and heritage of my ancestors.

The act of reclaiming and connecting to my heritage has been a journey filled with uncertainty, loss, and longing. Through the lens of my camera, I aim to explore and document this personal and emotional journey, creating self-portraits that reflect the complex relationship between myself and my Native roots—roots that remain partially unknown to me.

In this project, I am exploring my connection to my First Nations heritage by utilizing the act of self-portraiture as both a personal reflection and a means of grappling with feelings of separation from my lineage.

The photograph will act as a tool to examine my relationship to many cultural symbols, memories, and the physical objects tied to my identity—namely; moccasins, the colour red, and braids—which I feel a powerful pull toward, despite never fully understanding their meanings in the context of my own ancestry.

This project represents not only a personal journey but also a powerful act of creative reclamation. Through the process of self-portraiture, I aim to bridge the distance between myself and my ancestral identity, using the lens of the camera as a tool for both understanding and expression.

I hope to offer a meaningful contribution to the ongoing conversation about Native identity and the power of cultural symbols in reclaiming one’s narrative.