'The Women’s Grass': Blackfeet photographer receives fellowship for storytelling project

追加: 2026-05-24

[00:00:00]For Whitney Snow, photography began with a simple gift at just 7 years old. A Polaroid camera turned into a lifelong passion that has her work reaching people from across the world. I really like to take environmental uh photos. I I want my photos to be really candid and natural. Now, the Heartbeat photographer is gaining international attention after receiving the Madonna Thunderhawk environmental photography fellowship for her project, The Women's Grass. It has many layers to it. Um it is a conservation project. The project documents Blackfeet women restoring sacred sweetgrass while preserving its teachings for future generations. Snow says the project is personal, centered around honoring the women in her life, her family, and her community. I wanted to honor the women that I learned from and honor the women in the future who will be using this knowledge as well. I try to make sure that I take the necessary steps to be respectful to my community. The fellowship is already opening big doors.

[00:01:05]It just really helped launch my project into avenues and areas that I had no idea were available to me. She says the opportunity also connects her with mentors who are helping her grow as a photographer and storyteller. It's also helped launched my project internationally. Um there's there's people uh who reached out to me who wanted to learn about the project.

[00:01:30]>> But more than that recognition, Snow hopes the project encourages people to learn more about the history, culture, and people of Blackfeet country. I want people just to start learning about Pikuni more. You know, we have a rich history here. We have this beautiful land, Glacier Park. I would hope that people ask more questions about us as people and our land and you know, just help help spread the word, the good word. One photo at a time, she's sharing that story with the world. On the Blackfeet Reservation, Pita Sapuaki, Breanna Juno, MTN News.