Pride and Dignity

Excerpts from the Exhibition: Edward S. Curtis

In 1899, photographer Edward S. Curtis witnessed a gathering of Piegan people on their Montana reservation for the Sun Dance ceremonies. Curtis was struck by the humanity before him and began a 30-year photographic journey that resulted in the monumental limited edition, 20-volume work, The North American Indian. Curtis recognized the terrible effects of his own culture's impact on eastern Indian tribes, and endeavored to make a permanent record of Plains tribal culture before it was engulfed by the dominant white society.

As a photographer and Iroquoian, it is my belief that the people who posed before Curtis' camera were far more than mere passive subjects. They intended, through these portraits, to have their own message read by their descendants. They knew the world was changing and could not stop the assault upon their beliefs, but they could leave a visual record for future generations to build upon.

Although Curtis' perspective of the vanishing Indian is now outdated, these portraits still provide a clear view of pride, power and dignity. They also provide a backdrop for today's Aboriginal peoples' quest for self-determination.

Jeffrey M. Thomas, Onondaga - Iroquois
Guest Curator

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