Timotlakwaltis: Reclaiming Our Sustenance

This collection of images is a glimpse into my relationship with traditional food systems and the natural world through my own eyes and the teachings of others. By processing our own mihli (corn), we not only reclaim familial food sovereignty through seed keeping: the process also serves as a bonding tool that brings us together during the harvest. When we remove each sintli (dried corn seed), we set down a prayer. When we hunt, we approach the body and put tobacco down to thank the animal for sustenance. Many emotions arise throughout this process. There is relief that the death was swift, grief for the life lost, pride for continuing a tradition, and joy that we will eat well. These photographs represent the connection we maintain with the land through the grit of stewardship and harvest. This project is to remind us that nourishment can be abundant when we know how to ask our mother earth to aid us.

Artist Bios

Tekpatl Kuauhtzin

Tekpatl Kuauhtzin is a Nawa creative based in Yaangna, Southern California on unceded Gabrielino Shoshone, Tongva and Kizh territory. His visual storytelling methodologies are informed by the story-keeping tradition of the Tlakwilo, who have safeguarded Nawa narratives and life-ways since the beginning of time. Tekpatl’s work sheds light on Indigenous reciprocity and stewardship of the natural world. Through the documentation of these stories, we are able to learn from previous generations and teach the generations to come how to live in better harmony with our ecosystems.

Organizations

Photoville

Founded in 2011 in Brooklyn, NY, Photoville was built on the principles of addressing cultural equity and inclusion, which we are always striving for, by ensuring that the artists we exhibit are diverse in gender, class, and race.

In pursuit of its mission, Photoville produces an annual, city-wide open air photography festival in New York City, a wide range of free educational community initiatives, and a nationwide program of public art exhibitions.

By activating public spaces, amplifying visual storytellers, and creating unique and highly innovative exhibition and programming environments, we join the cause of nurturing a new lens of representation.

Through creative partnerships with festivals, city agencies, and other nonprofit organizations, Photoville offers visual storytellers, educators, and students financial support, mentorship, and promotional & production resources, on a range of exhibition opportunities.

For more information about Photoville visit, www.photoville.com