Blackfeet photographer receives fellowship for storytelling challenge

Blackfeet photographer Whitney Snow is gaining worldwide recognition for a pictures challenge highlighting Blackfeet girls, tradition, and environmental stewardship.

Snow lately obtained the Madonna Thunder Hawk Environmental Photography Fellowship from Vital Impacts for her challenge: The Women’s Grass, which paperwork Blackfeet girls restoring sacred sweetgrass and preserving its teachings for future generations.

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Blackfeet photographer receives fellowship for storytelling challenge

Snow says pictures has been a part of her life since childhood.

She says her ardour started at seven years outdated after receiving a Polaroid digicam, a present that sparked what would grow to be a lifelong love of storytelling by means of photographs.

“I’ve always loved taking candid photos, natural moments, especially animals and landscapes out here on the reservation,” Snow stated. “It’s just always been something that felt really important to me.”

Her work focuses on capturing genuine moments inside the Blackfeet group whereas exploring the connection between Indigenous id, land, and custom.

In The Women’s Grass, Snow says she wished to honor the ladies closest to her whereas respectfully representing the Blackfeet Nation.

“I really wanted to highlight the women in my family and my community in a respectful way and represent our people in a good way,” she stated.

Snow says the visible model of the challenge was intentional, particularly the nice and cozy and vibrant colours seen all through the photographs.

“I really love the color palette in these photos because it feels hopeful to me,” she stated.

The fellowship is already increasing the attain of her work far past Montana. Snow says individuals from all over the world have contacted her after seeing the challenge, and this summer season, The Women’s Grass will probably be featured at Photoville Festival in New York, one of many nation’s best pictures festivals.

In addition to the publicity, the fellowship can be connecting her with mentors and skilled photographers who’re serving to information her profession.

“It’s been really amazing getting to connect with mentors and people internationally who are interested in learning more about Blackfeet Nation and Indigenous communities,” Snow stated.

Snow hopes the challenge encourages viewers to study extra concerning the Blackfeet Nation and Indigenous communities throughout North America.

“I hope people ask more questions and want to learn more because there’s such a rich history here and so much beauty in our people and our land,” she stated.

Through her pictures, Snow says she hopes to proceed sharing tales that protect tradition, honor group, and convey larger understanding to Indigenous experiences.

Click here to visit Snow’s website.