A River Through Time

She provided a photo of the children in full labor attire posed with tools in hand circa late 1880’s. I pondered on the stark contrast between the serene, candid, image of a woman gathering water at the edge of the river, in comparison to the stiff posed image of children enslaved in labor. I finally asked myself “looking back in time, how do these images reverberate into our present reality and even further into the future?” I realized that in that moment I was that reverberation; I was a living, breathing, account of history with a responsibility to my own future and the stories which I pass on. When I look at my reflection I do not feel like a survivor or a victim of past atrocities, but rather, I feel as though I am a thriving person with an intact knowledge of the past. I want people to know that through the face of all the historical chaos and turmoil, Indigenous people have a special resiliency due to our unique sense of humor. Our ability to laugh through difficult times is part of our pathology of survival. This acknowledgment led me to finally approaching the subject matter with a sense of playfulness.

I reimagined our historical timeline within the frame of science fiction and time travel, and approached the complexities with cold sarcasm and irony. A “what if” scenario for the future emerged, where Indigenous peoples have made exponential advances in society and now have limitless powers capable of executing an unprecedented and possibly violent overthrow of our society and government. Basically, Flying Teepees with Laser Beams and a whimsical nod to 1950’s film noir. I invite you to sit back and experience this roller coaster of emotion and journey along with me through time and space. AHO!”