The Indigenous Sisterhood Series, is a photography series dedicated to modern Indigenous Womyn and the sisterhood among them. In collaboration with all of the participants, the project reflects the strength, resilience and empowerment of indigenous womyn by capturing them in a dramatic narrative.
The Indigenous Sisterhood Series was inspired by two sisters, being photographed for high school senior portraits. They wanted to reflect who they are as indigenous womyn and how they saw themselves. As multi-talented individuals, they share an interest in environmental sciences. As future leaders the two sister have chosen career paths that focused on the healing of our environments and the world. Their passions reflect their ethnic backgrounds, cultural values as well as the love they have for family and community. The sisters have a deep sense of respect for themselves to foster their own dreams and become whoever they want to become.
Dakhóta Romero & Raye Zaragoza
Creator
The project has been created by Nathaniel Fuentes who produces, curates, and photographs the series. Fuentes was inspired by the confidence and resilience of his two nieces, who he first photographed for the series. As a father of an indigenous womyn and two nieces, he wanted to capture the essence of their empowerment.
Previous Participants
The project recently collaborated with Patricia Michaels (Fashion Designer, Taos Pueblo); Renata Yazzie (Classical Pianist, Díne); Natalie Benally (Modern and Contemporary Dancer, Díne); Than Povi Martinez (Ballerina & Classical Dancer, Tewa San Ildefonso Pueblo) and Noor-un-Nisa Touchon (Award Winning Filmmaker); Alberto Romero of Red Meter Productions (Equipment), Chef Raymond Naranjo (Catering), Jacqueline Chavez (Hair & Make-Up), and Vanessie’s Santa Fe (Location).
The project recently collaborated with Patricia Michaels (Fashion Designer, Taos Pueblo); Renata Yazzie (Classical Pianist, Díne); Natalie Benally (Modern and Contemporary Dancer, Díne); Than Povi Martinez (Ballerina & Classical Dancer, Tewa San Ildefonso Pueblo) and Noor-un-Nisa Touchon (Award Winning Filmmaker); Alberto Romero of Red Meter Productions (Equipment), Chef Raymond Naranjo (Catering), Jacqueline Chavez (Hair & Make-Up), and Vanessie’s Santa Fe (Location).
The series started in the winter of 2018 with Annika Joanna Shije (Tewa Santa Clara Pueblo, San Domingo, Díne, Mexíca; SFIS graduate; UC Davis environmental engineering student). The series continued with Povi Romero (Tewa/Keres Pojoque/Cochiti Pueblos; Dartmouth graduate) and Destina Warner (Hochunk Nation; IAIA Cine student) in the summer of 2019. The series featured Alyssa Juliette Shije (Annika's sister; Tewa Santa Clara Pueblo, San Domingo, Díne, Mexíca; SFIS graduate; Bates University environmental engineering student) in the fall of 2019. During the the beginning of 2020 the series was postponed due to the COVID19 Pandemic but resumed in summer 2020 with Napoo Pe-ee Fuentes (Tewa Santa Clara Pueblo/Díne/Choctaw; UCMB psych/physiology student) and Neebin Naukzhik (Ojibwa/Anishinaabe; IAIA Alumnus).
featured artists
Patricia Michaels - https://www.patricia-michaels.com/
Dakhóta Romero - https://www.dakhotaromero.com/
featured artists
Patricia Michaels - https://www.patricia-michaels.com/
Dakhóta Romero - https://www.dakhotaromero.com/
Raye Zaragoza - https://www.rayezaragoza.com/
Than Povi Martinez
Renata Yazzie
Natalie Benally
Annika Shije
Povi Romero
Destina Warner
Alyssa Shije
Napoo Fuentes
