The Anti-Uranium Mapping Project
Picture This:
Imagine navigating through the virtual landscape of Google Earth, seeking your aunt's house on the Navajo Nation. As you toggle through aerial views from memory, what you discover isn't just the path home to your family, but a nearby scar marring the landscape—a coal mine, stark against the backdrop of your heritage. This jarring encounter was the catalyst for the Anti-Uranium Mapping Project, born out of a quest for connection and a shocking revelation. Join me as I uncover the hidden truths of extractive mining practices and stand against the devastating aftermath of uranium mining.
What We Do And Why
This project is a vital historical documentation of the uranium mining era from a Native perspective. Operating through an interactive website, our mission goes beyond conventional methods of education. We are committed to enlightening a diverse audience on environmental issues using a multimodal learning approach, recognizing the rich diversity of learning styles.
Our goal is not only information dissemination, it is also to foster meaningful connections. By forging an extensive database, our aspiration is to spark dialogue and actively engage our audience. Through this innovative approach, we aim to cultivate empathy and understanding, making the stories of those impacted by uranium mining resonate on a deeper level.
This project is a narrative tapestry, weaving together personal stories and environmental concerns. By providing an immersive learning experience, we seek to captivate a broader audience and instill a sense of shared responsibility.
By empowering our audience with a comprehensive understanding, we hope to inspire support for the Navajo people. Through this process, we aim to provide a foundation for individuals to actively participate in shaping the energy future and stewardship of natural resources on Navajo land, all guided by the profound principles of tribal sovereignty.
A LITTLE ABOUT ME
My Bio
As a commercial and documentary photographer based in the vibrant landscape of Santa Fe, New Mexico, my work is not just about capturing moments; it is a profound journey of rediscovery and connection. Originating from California, my upbringing left me with limited exposure to my Native heritage. This void became a catalyst for a profound curiosity that continues to propel my work today.
My mother's tireless genealogical investigation became my launching pad, sparking a journey to establish a profound connection with my ancestors and their way of life. In my quest to reconnect with my Indigenous background, my lens becomes a bridge; a vessel for sharing the personal stories of resilient individuals. I approach each individual with intention, investing time to build trust, creating a space where they feel safe and protected while sharing their narratives.
ABOUT MY PROCESS
My Work
The profound need for platforms like the Anti-Uranium Mapping Project arises from a troubling reality—the deliberate censorship and systematic erasure of voices and testimonies. This intentional silence has perpetuated a void in the representation of stories like those affected by uranium mining. My work is a dedication to empathy, a commitment to taking on these stories with reverence, and a promise to give these individuals and their narratives the justice they deserve in their fight for human dignity.
The Anti-Uranium Mapping Project has been made possible by the following donors:
New York Foundation for the Arts
The Levinson Foundation
Elemental Fund
IEN-WMAN Mining Mini-Grant
Community and friends near and far
