“Illuminating Heritage: A Stunning Showcase of Native American Perspectives through Photography”

HANOVER, N.H. (WCAX) – Dartmouth College has a profound history and relationship with Native Americans. A new art exhibition on the campus expands upon the college’s foundational mission.

Panûpünüwügai translates to “Living Light.” It is also the title of a new exhibition by photographer Cara Romero, who hails from California’s Chemehuevi tribe.

“It speaks not only to the essence of all the images and the nature of photography itself, but additionally to the uniting of people,” Romero stated.

The images were captured over a span of 13 years. They allude to Native American popular culture, female empowerment, the environment, and visions for the future.

“Narratives of American history, of our existence and how we integrate not only into the past but also into the current era,” Romero mentioned.

A small group of students on campus assisted with some of the photographs while Romero undertook a residency at the college.

“Many individuals inquire, ‘How did you manage to take that shot?’ And we respond, ‘Oh, we were actually submerged,’ and they have no inkling,” said Teani DeFries, a Native Hawaiian who graduated in the class of 2024.

DeFries was photographed last June.

“Water signifies wealth and abundance and that is a concept that we truly aimed to convey as a collective,” she expressed.

“Dartmouth was initially established for the purpose of educating Native youth,” remarked Jami Powell, who oversaw the exhibition.

Powell affirms that the art enhances that vision.

“But it also provides opportunities for Dartmouth students and the wider community to engage and discover more about various Native communities across the United States,” Powell added.

Romero expresses her desire for visitors to shed their stereotypes about Native Americans upon entering the exhibition.

“Fresh narratives about diversity, about survivance, about how extraordinarily vibrant our communities are,” Romero noted.

Entry to the exhibit is free. It will be available until Aug. 10.

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