honorable mention
Nika Belianina canada
title
Blackfeet Culture
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entry description
There are more than 570 recognized tribes in North America. Blackfeet tribe is one of the very few who still live on their ancestral territory. Also known as Piikuni - the Real people - they believe they came from the stars. Piikuni strive to keep their traditions strong as they navigate through addictions, poverty and generational trauma. Ten years ago they brought back to the prairies their key historical practice of buffalo herding. Now, 700 heads strong, these buffalo provide food for ceremonies and for many economically struggling families. Inner pride of Blackfeet people makes them one of the most powerful indigenous voices in North America. I spent three weeks living with them in Montana, collecting creation stories, attending ceremonies, building lodges (teepees) and learning how to skin a buffalo. These are some snippets of their lives I was privileged to witness. The last image was shot on the ceremonial grounds where many people give their vows and pray for their community.about the photographer
Moscow-raised, Toronto-based Nika Belianina is an award-winning filmmaker and fine art photographer. She's been making fiction and documentary films since 2005 and screened them all over the world at such festivals as Tribeca, Sheffield and Atlanta. Her photography hagn at more than 25 exhibitions worldwide.back to gallery