Whats on my mind...9/11

Raves

These images from news sources

Thoughts about 9/11...

The recent events that have transpired in New York City have changed the way many people look at life. It has for me. With so many innocent people killed in one day, the effects on our society has forced many people to re-examine their priorities and their daily lives. Here in Oklahoma we also experienced modern terrorism and hate first hand, granted not as massive as in New York city, but just the same lives were taken away too early and families shattered- because of skewed ideology and personal hate.

The images of burning collapsing skyscrapers, ash covered people fleeing in fear and terror, people jumping from windows, exhausted working rescuers, grieving family members, presents us with experiences and moments we would have never dreamed of days earlier. Each one of the horrifying moments was captured by a photographer who knew he or she had a "job" to do. They realized history was happening before their eyes and chose to continue photographing the unfolding tragedy, risking death in the process. These mesmerizing images will become the historical documents that will define our society for years to come. And the moments are not over yet.

Photographers for the most part, have always been a determined group who knew they had to continue working as close to the action so others could also be witness to what they had seen. The good and bad is all a part of the "reality package" for photographers. The images coming out of New York are still being viewed- many amateur photographers were present to capture events from were they stood and are being posted on personal web sites.

I often hear the question, "What's all this got to do with Native people?

I fully realize history reveals acts of terrorism and violence committed against our people and continues even in various forms today. I would not be in Oklahoma today if it wasn't for the forced military removal of my tribe from the east by the US government. Thousands of my people also died during this time. However the power of being "Native" surpassed even the most ardent supporters of hate. My people rose up from the ashes of state terrorism and hate to become one the strongest nations today.

My response to the original question is, "It is within each of us as individuals to how we respond to human life, suffering, and tragedy. Where and how we see ourselves upon the platform of mankind will determine our course of action."

For me, I am proud to be a photographer, the work we do as individuals forces us to be there...be witness to life as it is. We cannot dream it up and put a title on it. That's what makes us unique from other artist and art forms.

Often times the act of photographing and documenting daily lives of our people, friends, and relatives may seem of little significance. But it is these daily acts of life that will be the documents of history that each one of us will present to future generations.

I hope each of us as Native photographers take our task very serious and appreciate each day and each other for the gift of life we have.

Just as my roadman says right after midnight, "It's a new day, no one has ever seen it before, we can't do anything about yesterday... but we have an opportunity to do something about today."

Myself, I chose to work and live for the future of my people and my children.

God Bless Humanity.

Raves
These images from news sources	Thoughts about 9/11... The recent events that have transpired in New York City have changed the way many people look at life. It has for me. With so many innocent people killed in one day, the effects on our society has forced many people to re-examine their priorities and their daily lives. Here in Oklahoma we also experienced modern terrorism and hate first hand, granted not as massive as in New York city, but just the same lives were taken away too early and families shattered- because of skewed ideology and personal hate. The images of burning collapsing skyscrapers, ash covered people fleeing in fear and terror, people jumping from windows, exhausted working rescuers, grieving family members, presents us with experiences and moments we would have never dreamed of days earlier. Each one of the horrifying moments was captured by a photographer who knew he or she had a "job" to do. They realized history was happening before their eyes and chose to continue photographing the unfolding tragedy, risking death in the process. These mesmerizing images will become the historical documents that will define our society for years to come. And the moments are not over yet. Photographers for the most part, have always been a determined group who knew they had to continue working as close to the action so others could also be witness to what they had seen. The good and bad is all a part of the "reality package" for photographers. The images coming out of New York are still being viewed- many amateur photographers were present to capture events from were they stood and are being posted on personal web sites. I often hear the question, "What's all this got to do with Native people? I fully realize history reveals acts of terrorism and violence committed against our people and continues even in various forms today. I would not be in Oklahoma today if it wasn't for the forced military removal of my tribe from the east by the US government. Thousands of my people also died during this time. However the power of being "Native" surpassed even the most ardent supporters of hate. My people rose up from the ashes of state terrorism and hate to become one the strongest nations today. My response to the original question is, "It is within each of us as individuals to how we respond to human life, suffering, and tragedy. Where and how we see ourselves upon the platform of mankind will determine our course of action." For me, I am proud to be a photographer, the work we do as individuals forces us to be there...be witness to life as it is. We cannot dream it up and put a title on it. That's what makes us unique from other artist and art forms. Often times the act of photographing and documenting daily lives of our people, friends, and relatives may seem of little significance. But it is these daily acts of life that will be the documents of history that each one of us will present to future generations. I hope each of us as Native photographers take our task very serious and appreciate each day and each other for the gift of life we have. Just as my roadman says right after midnight, "It's a new day, no one has ever seen it before, we can't do anything about yesterday... but we have an opportunity to do something about today." Myself, I chose to work and live for the future of my people and my children. God Bless Humanity.

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