I am currently pursuing my undergraduate education at Occidental College’s Media Arts & Culture Program. My work is informed by the belief that media makers have a responsibility to collaborate with and integrate marginalized communities into documentary films and other media projects in order to transform problematic representations. After receiving a research grant, I am working with Native American actors, actresses, and scriptwriters at the Autry National Center in Los Angeles to develop alternative methods of ethnographic study produced through media. These men and women have equal capabilities to produce effective media but do not have the adequate outlets for public exposure. Media makers must take responsibility as a democratic community to break stereotypes by giving voices to men and women who lack the technological resources.
Native Americans across the United States continue to suffer by irresponsible media makers of all skill sets that perpetuate misrepresentation through negative stereotypes. This problem derives from problematic ethnographic ventures shortly after the birth of film in the early 1900s. The Marey gun camera exemplifies the problematic origins of the portrayal of Indigenous men and women in the media. The camera, mimicking a rifle, was initially used to shoot the first continuous set of images. We as a society cannot forget the history of media practices. As a society we cannot practice such an influential art without all groups having a voice. My research that will turn into a collaborative documentary serves to promote contemporary modes of representation in the media. By working with Native American actors, actresses, and writers through Autry Museum’s Theater Company, Native Voices, we intend to challenge traditional modes of ethnography in the film that will be produced this fall.

Sketches drawn by Peter Leatherman (title of piece: Marey Gun Camera Reconstruction- 660×662 – 2013 & Marey Gun Camera Reconstruction #2- 924×639 – 2013). He is reconstructing the camera gun for my thesis film being produced this fall.


