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| John Willis at photo-eye Bookstore |
Photographer John Willis stopped by photo-eye Bookstore the other day to sign copies of his new book
Views from the Reservation published by the Center for American Places. Willis first photographed the Oglala Lakota Sioux on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota in 1992. He never intended on showing the work, being very aware of the potential for exploitation when an outsider enters an impoverished indigenous community for a photography project. Over time and through the enduring relationships that he developed, Willis was urged by community elders to do something more with the images that he had initially intended only to be mementos for the Reddest family and himself. The hope was that the photographs could bring, exposure, understanding and aid to their community.
Willis produced
Views from the Reservation as a gift to the Lakota people -- to return some of what he received from them. One hundred percent of the royalties from the book will be donated to
KILI Radio, "The Voice of the Lakota Nation," which broadcasts from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
In addition to Willis' compelling images,
Views from the Reservation includes a variety of voices with contributions from Kent Nerburn, Lakota elders and Pine Ridge High School students, Emil Her Many Horses, Kevin Gover, Dwayne Wilcox and includes a CD of traditional songs call 'Heartbeat of the Rez.'
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| Views from the Rez -- Illustrations by Dwayne Wilcox |
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| Views from the Rez -- Photography by John Willis |
Signed copies now available! Order yours here.
