Imagine for a moment that you did not have photographs of your grandfather. You last saw him when you were five-years-old. Through the years your mother spoke of him, but you cannot remember what he looks like. One day someone discovers in an old photo album a picture of your grandfather. What would that mean to you to see and hold that picture?
As I have worked on The Bear River Project I've begun to stumble on a sad legacy of the events following the Bear River Massacre. As the Shoshone and Bannock people were placed on reservations they were often seen as a curiosity to the white settlers. Photographers who visited the area often took pictures for stereographs or photographic picture postcards that they would then sell. Of course, there were other photographs taken by private citizens, journalists, and government agencies. Unfortunately, many natives did not even know what a camera was and often when their photograph was taken they were not told nor did they grant permission. They rarely received a copy of the photographs that others were using for profit. Not only is this callous, but it also ignored native American beliefs.
Today many Shoshone and Bannock do not have photographs of their relatives. We are actively searching for original photographs of native Americans so that they can be given to families. This is not about who owns the photograph. It's about doing the right thing and giving to families the history that was taken from them. It's about helping someone who may not have a photograph of their grandfather, great grandfather, uncle or other relative. It's about being kind.
In addition, there are other photographs of Fort Hall, Pocatello, Blackfoot, Preston, Battle Creek, farms, and other locations in the region that are historically important. Even if you think it's not, someone else may.
Would you please look through your homes and speak to your relatives to see if you can find some of these photos? Contact us when you have found them so we can help restore photographs to families and ensure the survival of our history.
We are already aware of the Benedicte Wrensted Photographs. You may view some of them here.
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