“On Stolen Land” is a body of work exploring the effects of
colonialism and the influence of human interference on land, ecology,
and culture. The intention of this work is to bring awareness to the
environmental damage, and cultural destruction that stems from
ongoing colonialism. Exposing the cultural and ecological impacts, by
confronting the viewer with images and historical information,
provokes acknowledgement of these facts, and the role we play in the
continuance of these injustices. I aspire to motivate understanding and
education, inviting others to reflect on their role in the relentless
degradation of land and culture, due to greed and hunger for
“progress.” It is important for dominant culture to recognize the
privilege that has resulted from colonization. Through the recognition
of my own personal impact on these cultures and environments,
I feel the responsibility to self-educate and advocate for the Indigenous
people whose land I inhabit. Awakening a thought process in those who
are ignorant of the history and current state of this country, will
hopefully trigger comprehension of the destruction our culture has
willfully participated in. I hope to approach and connect these ideas
respectfully, through research and visual interpretation of the
land and cultures presented.