For the first time, Natives Photograph has compiled a Year in Pictures from its talented members. This powerful collection captures the unprecedented events of 2020 with a sense of clarity, purpose, and deep connection to the lands and communities they document. Spanning Indigenous territories from New York to Yellowknife, Mauna Kea to Oaxaca, these images take us on a journey through a challenging year marked by a pandemic and widespread social unrest. Amid these hardships, the photographs also reveal quieter moments of resilience, hope, and unity, offering inspiration for a brighter 2021.
Featured Photographers and Stories
Camille Seaman’s striking image of icebergs and glaciers at Elephant Island, Antarctica, speaks to the profound beauty and fragility of our planet. Her work emphasizes the interconnectedness of natural environments and human existence, urging viewers to reflect on their responsibility to protect these vanishing landscapes.
Pat Kane (Timiskaming First Nation)
Pat Kane introduces us to Melaw Nakehk’o, a moosehide tanner, artist, filmmaker, and mother. Through her practice of moosehide tanning, Nakehk’o reclaims her cultural knowledge and strengthens ties to her community. “Moosehide tanning is a foundational Indigenous art form,” she explains. “It represents our visual cultural identity, from the smoke smell that recalls grandmothers to the beadwork symbolizing our nations. It is a revolutionary act of resistance—a way to honor our relationship with the land and the animals that sustain us. Moosehide tanning is Land Back.”
Paul Wilson (The Klamath Tribes)
Paul Wilson captures Yurok brothers Sammy, Peter, and Jonluke paddling redwood canoes along the Klamath River. Once a primary mode of transportation for river tribes, the tradition of crafting and using dugout canoes is now carried on by a few. The brothers have founded the Ancestral Guard, ensuring these practices are passed down from elders to future generations, keeping cultural connections alive.
Brian Adams (Inupiaq)
Brian Adams presents a compelling portrait of Quannah Chasinghorse, featured in the Calvin Klein One Vote campaign. Through this image, Adams highlights the strength and individuality of Indigenous voices in contemporary spaces, emphasizing the importance of representation and visibility.
Kapulei Flores (Hawaiian)
Kapulei Flores documents the journey to Mauna Kea, the tallest mountain in the world from sea level, where a Hawaiian flag was raised in a profound act of cultural pride and sovereignty. The photograph embodies the resilience and spirit of the Hawaiian people, reminding us of the importance of protecting sacred lands.
The Year in Pictures by Natives Photograph is more than a visual reflection of 2020; it is a testament to the power of Indigenous storytelling. Each photograph offers a glimpse into traditions, resilience, and the unique perspectives of the photographers who capture them. Through their lenses, we see not only the challenges of the past year but also the hope and strength that carry us forward.