We stand together
CIRCA 2021
artist statement by CURATOR Nicole stapLes
The exhibit “We Stand Together” provides insight into the connectedness of children with their families, communities and tradition practices.
Growing up, I noticed little of our native ways. Maybe my eyes were closed to seeing it. I don’t know. . . . Now that I’m older, I see more of our native teachings taking place. Each year I see more and more elders sharing stories with youth, youth sharing traditional ways with children, educators teaching our language, and families practicing our values. The strength of who we are is presented in everyday life - our helping, and in our caring for others. It seems to me that we are learning once again, to stand together as one Anishinaabe community. We Stand Together is a photo exhibit that presents what I see today in our community. The photographs presented were created with the help of many different program leaders and artists from our community. Through the EXCHANGE TOUR I am able to share this perspective of “US” standing together to beat hardships - to tell the stories of how our native beliefs and native teachings strengthens us to stand together!
This video presentation features an interview with curator Nicole Staples, and photo and video work produced by artists from the Leech Lake Reservation.