Indigenous Headshots

Today is a day of reflection and learning—National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It was started to honor the resilience of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples and communities across Canada and to remember the tragic history of residential schools in Canada. These schools, which operated from the 19th century until 1996, aimed to assimilate Indigenous children to a Euro-centric society by forcibly removing them from their families and culture.

Many of these institutions were run by religious organizations, with policies shaped by the government to ‘kill the Indian in the child,’ as stated by Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister. The institutions were mandated by the government, run by religious organizations, and the indigenous children were forced there by the RCMP. While in the care of these institutions, many children suffered abuse, neglect, and even death. Survivors and their families continue to carry the trauma and pain from this dark chapter of history.

Indigenous families and communities demanded recognition of these injustices for decades, and only recently has the Canadian government begun to address their suffering through the Truth and Reconciliation process. This effort aims to acknowledge past wrongs, but also to learn from Indigenous cultures, traditions, and wisdom.

The journey toward reconciliation is not just about acknowledging the past—it’s about changing our present and future. We must strive to build a society where Indigenous communities have equal access to healthcare, education, and resources. This means actively listening, learning, and respecting their teachings.

Recently, I (Carlos) had the honor of learning from an elder from the Coast Salish peoples. His stories reminded me of the immense knowledge and wisdom that Indigenous cultures offer. We have so much to learn from those who have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years. It’s our responsibility to ensure that we remember and respect their stories, traditions, and contributions.

As part of this journey, I am sharing a collection of Indigenous portraits, captured with the intent to honor the strength, beauty, and resilience of Indigenous individuals. These headshots celebrate their identity and heritage, keeping their stories alive for future generations.

Why engage in reconciliation? Because it’s the right thing to do. We have the power to address past injustices and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society. By embracing Indigenous voices and celebrating their heritage, we take steps towards healing and understanding, ensuring that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.