16x20 Metallic Paper Photo Print "Less Native More Land"
*All watermarks will be removed on prints when ordered
16x20 Framed Limited Edition Print
Only 8 Available
NARRATIVE
LESS NATIVE, MORE LAND
Blood Quantum & Native Identity
The subject in this photograph is a Seminole child a family dog a black labrador. The Seminole child is holding his Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Labrador has his pedigree papers in front of him for registration as a full-bred labrador. Both subjects hold pedigree papers to prove they are enough to hold a breeding and enrollment status. The title “Less Natives, More Land” is inspired by the early 1900s allotment period and the constant schemes throughout the history of Indigenous genocide.
My hope was the image would evoke critical thinking around this controversial subject of “blood quantum”. I want the viewer who identifies as Native to think more deeply about this social construct and honor those feelings. I want the Non-Native viewer to acknowledge this was not our original way of belonging but was constructed to breed the Indians out and for the government to take more land. I was inspired to create this image because the topic of Blood Quantum is controversial, complex, and very personal.
It wasn’t until I became a mother did I think about this concept more deeply. I found myself asking deeper questions like what makes my blood “Indian”? What makes me Seminole? As a mother and enrolled tribal member of the Seminole Nation, I choose not to speak in quantum over my own children, nieces, and nephews. Instead, I talk with inclusive language like: You are Seminole, You are Native enough and will always be Native enough. You belong here through strong lineage and rich heritage.
Details
This is a metallic print on photo paper. For framing or custom orders, contact us directly.
*All watermarks will be removed on prints when ordered
16x20 Framed Limited Edition Print
Only 8 Available
NARRATIVE
LESS NATIVE, MORE LAND
Blood Quantum & Native Identity
The subject in this photograph is a Seminole child a family dog a black labrador. The Seminole child is holding his Certificate Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card issued by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Labrador has his pedigree papers in front of him for registration as a full-bred labrador. Both subjects hold pedigree papers to prove they are enough to hold a breeding and enrollment status. The title “Less Natives, More Land” is inspired by the early 1900s allotment period and the constant schemes throughout the history of Indigenous genocide.
My hope was the image would evoke critical thinking around this controversial subject of “blood quantum”. I want the viewer who identifies as Native to think more deeply about this social construct and honor those feelings. I want the Non-Native viewer to acknowledge this was not our original way of belonging but was constructed to breed the Indians out and for the government to take more land. I was inspired to create this image because the topic of Blood Quantum is controversial, complex, and very personal.
It wasn’t until I became a mother did I think about this concept more deeply. I found myself asking deeper questions like what makes my blood “Indian”? What makes me Seminole? As a mother and enrolled tribal member of the Seminole Nation, I choose not to speak in quantum over my own children, nieces, and nephews. Instead, I talk with inclusive language like: You are Seminole, You are Native enough and will always be Native enough. You belong here through strong lineage and rich heritage.
Details
This is a metallic print on photo paper. For framing or custom orders, contact us directly.