Imagining Ourselves:

Historically, Native American and Indigenous people have been depicted by non-native photographers as members of a mythical and vanishing race. Early sepia tone and black and white photographs of Indigenous people portray them as relics of an unrecoverable past, frozen in time.

As a Mvskoke photographer, I seek to locate my subjects in the present by celebrating their vitality, beauty, strength, and Indigeneity. I challenge historical misrepresentations by capturing highly saturated photographs of Indigenous people draped in vibrant, colorful regalia as they dance in graceful motion. In my photographs, I accentuate fine details in Native American beadwork and crafts. These vivid, intricate works of art embody the brilliance and complexity – and resilience – of Indigenous cultures.

It is my goal in my photographs to express the remarkable dynamism and triumphant courage that Indigenous people possess. As a photographer, my responsibility is to ensure that I respect my subjects by aspiring to capture their true essence and by honoring all of our ancestors as we celebrate our rich histories. I am inspired by the many Native American and Indigenous people I have encountered in my life. During my time as a student at Haskell Indian Nations University, which is home to members from one hundred fifty different Native American tribes, I witnessed the beauty of a vast array of tribal traditions – each one unique.

This collection is inspired by that experience and it is a celebration of Indigeneity in all of its diversity, color, and vibrancy. Imagining Ourselves: Celebrating Indigenous Culture, Color, and Vibrancy reminds us that Native Americans and Indigenous people are not artifacts from the past — we are very much present, active, evolving, and living in full color.

Vrakkueckv (respectfully),

Haley Rains

This exhibition is dedicated to my late brother, Jamie, whom I miss and love dearly.