I’ve wanted to take on a project like this for a long time—not just to make meaningful photos, but to give myself a reason to listen, learn, and better understand.
Caitlin is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and carries Arikara, Hidatsa, Omaha Sioux and Rosebud Sioux ancestry. She is also a fancy shawl dancer, and everything she brought to our session had a story behind it.
Her facial paint carries meaning.
Three dots on her cheek represent the body, mind and spirit, while the single dot on her chin represents her as a whole. The feathers she wears weren’t simply chosen and placed. They were given to her by her grandmother, Mina Crows Breast. Caitlin explained that feathers are often given when someone reaches a milestone, does something courageous or is recognized by an elder, family member, or someone within the community.
The Pendleton blanket she brought carries another story.
Caitlin explained that Pendleton blankets became important to her people as an alternative to buffalo hide. Hers was received when her grandfather, Dale Crows Breast, made his journey home.
She described what her culture asks of her every day: to show honor and respect not only to her own people, but to everyone. When she dances in the circle, she sees it as an opportunity to honor veterans and elders who are no longer able to dance themselves.
Caitlin’s favorite quote, taught to her by her uncle Chris Standing Alone:
Always know where you come from.
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