Left to right: Photo-assistant Julie Teton, model Leo Teton, photographer Marilyn Angel Wynn, model James Tone

After spending years to photograph hundreds of American Indian tribes throughout North America, it takes dedication, focus and lots of travel. These pictures make up a large photo archive called the Nativestock Collection. Each year I pack up my camera gear and head out to tribal communities. Through research and some scouting, I look for individuals that know their culture, special events, historic exhibits and any other unique photo opportunity found on reservations and traditional homelands. You may have a suggestion about a special event, tourism in your area, people willing to model or for any other reason that I should come to your area. How about being hired as my photo-assistant? I pay individuals a day-rate and models by the hour. No experience necessary. You only need to be familiar with locations in your neck of the woods and know a handful of tribal members that are artisans, elders, leaders and traditionalists of any age. Maybe you have a family member that would like to be hired as a model or assistant. Post a message in the comment area or email me at nativestock@mac.com with your contact info and why you think I should come to your area for a photo-shoot. For some individuals, this opportunity could turn into a career in location scouting, assisting other photographers or a job on local film production. A few States that are on my wish list to photograph a tribal community or reservation are with an assistant for a few days are Kansas, Minnesota, Maine, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Washington and Colorado. I'm open for all areas in Indian Country and I plan to hire an assistant for a few days at each location. If you are a tribal member and interested to work with me as an assistant on one of my photo shoots, or know anyone else that would like this paid opportunity, then send me a note. Tell me a little about your homelands and why you feel it needs to be documented with pictures. Oh and by the way, those interested need to have a good sense of humor to apply for this position.

Target areas and events planned for 2009:

• Seneca, Niagara Falls NY
  
• Mohawk territory, Canada
  
• Ojibwe Tribe, Land of Lakes
  
• Spirit Journey, West Coast
  
• Mescalero Apache, NM
  
• Cayuse, Umatilla, Oregon
  
• Klamath Rez, Oregon
  
• Sioux Artist Ride, South Dakota
  

An Inheritance Of Arrowheads

A Purpose in Life...To Photograph Tribal Nations

It all began when I inherited a few ancient stone tools and arrowheads. That was when the moment when I dreamed up this awesome career, at least for me anyway. This self-created job description was to "specialize and photograph American Indian culture's for the who's who in publishing".

Now after several years of travel to document Native America, reading hundreds of books and speaking with a variety of tribal elders, I dreamed of another project. Through much research, I came across many inspirational speeches from tribal members past and present who eloquently spoke of their spiritual philosophy on living.

In fact, this obsession with photographing American Indian tribes and to read their leaders quotes, inspired me so deeply that I set out to self-published a book. Titled 'Voice of the Spirit: Words of Wisdom From Indian Country USA' this photo book was designed to include my own personal selection of 100 of my favorite photographs I've had the honor to capture along with snippets of meaningful quotes so eloquently spoken by Native people recorded throughout post-contact.

Here is a small sample of photographs and exerpts from my book 'Voice of the Spirit'.

"Knowledge is inherent in all things. The world is a library" -Chief Standing Bear

"When you see a new trail, or a footprint you do not know, follow it to the point of knowing" -Uncheedah

"Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself" -Chief Seattle

NEW YEARS '09 GOAL #1

©Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com

Friends of Native America Group members list has surprisingly grown in the last few months. A big THANK YOU to all of you and your caring. This group is for people of tribal heritage and for those who are passionate to learn about Native American culture. We are here to network together to help protect sacred sites, promote economic development and recommend travel destinations throughout Indian Country through photography and stories. My big goal this year is to keep you members up-to-date on tribal culture, people and up-coming events. This will enable all of us to help out in some way or another, small or large. Through our networking, donations to coat drives, food drives, emergency aid, voluntary contributions or even just your time to write the odd letter are all very helpful. If any of you hear of any specific news from Indian Country that may be of interest to other members then I invite you to leave a comment. May our networking through Friends of Native America bring us all new and exciting opportunities for 2009. Kindly share any meaningful goals that you are hoping to achieve this year.