As a senior photography minor at the University of La Verne, I have the option (although not required) to put together a project that is a direct reflection of the quality of work I am capable of. By mid May, I will be completing a photography book focused on the Gabrielinos with my own writing, photography and design.
I chose the Gabrielino as they are a local and accessible tribe. The University of La Verne sits on what was once their native land. Their story of misappropriation, indentured servitude and stolen identity, though important, is unfortunately not unique among California native tribes. Due to enslavement during the mission times, many tribes suffered unimaginable mental and physical abuse that has created a historical trauma which the modern generations must fight to over come. Currently, the Gabrielino are involved in re-educating the San Gabriel Valley about their tribe as well as community, ecological and historical activism. This book will be split into three major parts: before European and Mexican contact, the mission-era, and the modern plight of the tribe. It will also include information on the fight for federal recognition, their ecological activism, history and tribal stories, religious beliefs, sacred sites and plant usage.
I chose to participate in the photography senior project class as I will be pursuing a career as a photographer, but will not be studying photography in graduate school. Thus, this semester is my last chance at professional instruction. In this project, I hope to showcase my many skills and show my abilities as a future magazine writer/photographer. Below, I will be posting updates on my work.
Upcoming:
Photograph Ebell Museum- in Pomona
Completed:
Gabrielino/Kizh recognition ceremony- April 16, 2019 in Los Angeles
Interview with Kizh Tribal Chairman Andy Salas- April 16, 2019 in Los Angeles
Interview with Kizh Biologist Matt Teutimez- April 16, 2019 in Los Angeles
Interview with Ohlone Tribal Chair Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra (Ohlone/Kizh)- April 16, 2019 in Los Angeles
Photograph La Casa Primera de Rancho San Jose- April 14, 2019 in Pomona
Photograph Adobe de Palomares- April 14, 2019 in Pomona
Interview with Ohlone Tribal Chair Dee Dee Manzanares Ybarra (Ohlone/Kizh)- April 13, 2019 at Garey High School, Pomona
Photographing the Kizh at Fiesta del Rancho San Jose- March 23, 2019 Rancho San Jose
Photographing at the La Brea Tar Pits- March 18, 2019 at La Brea Tar Pits Museum
Photographing Kizh Artifacts- March 15, 2019 at Kizh Nation Resources Management
Photos in the Sage Garden- March 14, 2019 at the University of La Verne
Sage Ceremony- March 11, 2019 at the University of La Verne Citrus Hall
Photographed at the San Gabriel Mission- March 10, 2019 at San Gabriel Mission
Interviewed Kizh tribe biologist Matt Teutimez- March 8, 2019 at Kizh Nation Resources Management
Photographed Baskets at the ULV Cultural Collections archivist Anne Collier- March 4, 2019 at the University of La Verne’s Cultural Collections
