Native Americans

Wounded Knee | South Dakota

Few places have stirred my emotions like the time I visited Wounded Knee, South Dakota. This is a very somber place that marks two very sad moments in our history. Native Americans have been treated very poorly in our history and still do not have a fair voice in our society as of today. I strongly recommend anyone visiting the Great American Landmarks such as Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills in and around Rapid City to take the extra time to drive out to Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and visit the Wounded Knee site. You truly can’t know greatness until you also understand the mistakes that were made along the way to obtain that greatness. Here is more information on the Wounded Knee Massacre.

Indian Rodeo | Kyle, South Dakota

The Indian Rodeo on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Kyle, South Dakota is a rodeo for Native Americans to showcase their cowboy and cowgirl skills. The rodeo took place on a remote part of the Pine Ridge Reservation, but was well organized and featured all the events that any rodeo would feature. There was barrel racing, roping, bareback bronc riding, and bull riding to name a few of the events. I was very honored to have a chance to see this rodeo first hand.

Pow Wow | Pierre, South Dakota

The Pow Wow in Pierre South Dakota was my first ever Pow Wow. It was very fascinating to me. I spent all day and into the evening hours photographing the members of the Lakota tribe dancing, singing and drumming in their Native American regalia. I chose to process the photos in black and white because I wanted to capture the essence of their Native Pride and passion.