Family Ties: That's How These Warriors Roll...

When your studio sits in the shadow of the Meskwaki Settlement you can't help but learn a little bit about the culture.  It might be just little bits and pieces via their youth when you're a senior photographer, but I am learning.

The latest case study for me was Meskwaki Settlement High School Class of 2014 member, Jade Ikebe.

One of the constant themes I've run into with natives is that while senior picture day is still a day about showcasing the individual, it seems that nothing is more important than family.

It could be debated as to the relative importance of one culture versus another as to which values family more, but what seems clear to me is that nearly every Meskwaki that I photograph finds it essential to include family on a day that would normally be one in which it would be taking care of number one.

Senior slogans often reflect this.   "It's all about you."   "Be you."  "It's YOUR time."  So, at a time when most seniors understandably are out to depict what make THEM unique, I think it's cool when a senior wants to look outward to show what makes them whole inwardly.

It seems that almost without fail, Meskwaki seniors request to include siblings, cousins or even parents and grandparents.  It this an exclusive trait?   Certainly not.  But it has been a trend that I've noticed even if it is a small sample over the years.

Jade was no different as her adorable sister Sara was involved the entire day.   I may have saved the best image for last in this blog as the two girls donned their Warrior basketball uniforms (#15 and #51 fittingly enough).   We tried to get them to be all TOUGH and INTIMIDATING and the result was one of the funniest laughing sequences I've ever captured.   You'll have to ask Jade to see the whole series of images... but I combined a couple to tell the story of our two hoopsters.

In addition, Jade and Mama Avis were going to let this day pass without paying tribute to the Ikebe and Bear clans as they envisioned a grandparents image they asked me to create.   I took their initial idea and ran with it and decided to depict a vision full of Meskwaki strength and pride with Jade looking back on the lives of her beloved grandparents.

The Meskwaki symbolism didn't end there however.   Jade was clear from the very first phone call that her full regalia would be included.  Mix in her Meskwaki name of Te ba we as well as a quilt and stained glass... and you get the picture.  In a session that was as lengthy as the senior's long hair, this day was about much more than just Jade Noble Ikebe.  It was about her entire being... her heritage... her family.

And in an industry that admittedly encourages self promotion more often than it doesn't, I find that refreshing.

Thanks Team Te ba we!