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Ocmulgee National Monument, 20th Indian Celebration | Georgia Photographer

 A few years ago, I went back home to Kansas for a wedding. At the reception, I was dancing with my dad's father, my Papa Jack, whose life remains to be more of a mystery to me than anything. He's not much of a talker, so I was surprised and thrilled that as we danced together that night, that I found him in the mood to chat. I've never heard anything about my great grandmother, his mother. I'm someone who wants to hear endless stories about my grandparents. I love hearing about how life used to be, so different- it fascinates me. As the music played, our hands intertwined, he told me about my great grandmother, a Blackfoot Indian. I remember a feeling of pride and honor hitting me as I learned my great grandmother, who I never knew was an Indian. I also remember my grandfather making a point that back then, it was something shameful to be married to an Indian and that he didn't grow up proud to have a mother who was an Indian. I made these pictures for my great grandmother, whose story I may never know, but somehow I feel very connected to. 

From Native American culture and history flows such beauty and a deep peace with nature. I was so excited to attend the 20th Indian Celebration at the Ocmulgee National Monument this past Saturday. In the greater scheme of time flying by, it was just a few short moments of my day, yet it was still such a wonderful experience. Such a reminder- to find ways to divest myself of daily distractions and emerge more fully into the pockets of this world that make me feel alive. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do


Comments

  1. Haley SheffieldSeptember 26, 2011 at 6:43 PM

    SO GOOD. That second picture is INCREDIBLE! The light, color, capture! SO good, Jessica!

    ReplyDelete

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