Barbara May Cameron was a Native American photographer and activist who captured the lives and cultures of indigenous people in the United States.
She was one of the first Native American women to become a professional photographer and a prominent figure in the Native American rights movement.
In this article, we will explore some of her quotes, achievements, and why she is honoured by Google today.
Barbara May Cameron’s Quotes
Ms May was known for her powerful and poetic words that expressed her vision and passion.
Here are some of her quotes that reflect her philosophy and worldview:
- “I want to show the pride, the dignity, and the beauty of the Native people who have been invisible and ignored for so long.”
- “Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art.”
- “I am not afraid to speak out and say the things that I want to do, or the things that I want for my people. And I think that if you are strong in your beliefs, that it’s really hard to knock you off.”
- “I don’t think of myself as a leader. I think of myself as a person who has a responsibility to the people that I come from.”
Barbara May Cameron’s Quotes About Love
Barbara was also a pioneer in documenting the love and relationships of Native American LGBTQ+ people.
She was openly lesbian and advocated for the acceptance and recognition of the Two-Spirit identity, which is a term that encompasses the diverse gender and sexual expressions of Native American people.
Here are some of her quotes about love and sexuality:
- “I love being a woman. I love being a lesbian. I love being an Indian. I love being all three at the same time.”
- “Love is something that you can’t explain. It’s something that you feel. It’s something that you share. It’s something that you give and receive.”
- “I think that sexuality is a very personal thing. And I think that each individual has the right to express their sexuality in any way that they choose, as long as they’re not hurting anyone else.”
- “I think that the Two-Spirit people have a very special role in our society. They have an extraordinary gift. They can see both sides of life, both the male and the female aspects of life.”
Google Doodle Barbara May Cameron
On November 16, 2023, Google celebrates the 75th birthday of Barbara May Cameron with a special doodle on its homepage.
The doodle features a collage of some of her iconic photographs, such as:
- the portrait of a young Lakota girl
- the image of a Native American couple embracing
- the shot of a group of Native American activists at the Trail of Broken Treaties protest
It also includes a feather, a symbol of honour and respect in many Native American cultures.
The doodle was created by guest artist Shan Goshorn, a Cherokee multimedia artist and activist who was inspired by Cameron’s work.
Goshorn said,
“I wanted to honour Barbara May Cameron’s legacy as a trailblazer and a storyteller. She used her camera as a tool to amplify the voices and the visions of her people. She showed us the beauty, the strength, and the diversity of the Native American community.”
Robert Cameron
Robert Cameron was the father of Barbara May Cameron and a member of the Lakota Sioux tribe.
He was born in 1912 and grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
He served in the US Army during World War II and later worked as a carpenter and mechanic.
Robert married Evelyn Louise Krise, a German-American woman, and they had four children, including Barbara.
He supported his daughter’s career and activism and often accompanied her on her travels and assignments.
He passed away in 1999 at the age of 87.
What did Barbara May Cameron do?
Barbara May was a photographer and an activist who dedicated her life to documenting and advocating for the Native American people.
She started her career as a photojournalist in the 1970s, covering various events and issues related to the Native American rights movement, such as:
- the occupation of Wounded Knee
- the Longest Walk
- the American Indian Movement.
Barbara also travelled across the country and visited over 100 Native American tribes, capturing their cultures, traditions, and lifestyles.
She published several books on her photographs, such as:
- Native Americans: Portraits from a Century of Change
- Lakota Woman: A Photographic Journey
Barbara received many awards and honours for her work, such as:
- the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship
- the Women’s Caucus for Art Honor Award
- the Living Cultural Treasure Award from the state of New Mexico.
Why is Barbara May Cameron on Google?
Barbara is on Google because Google decided to honour her with a special doodle on her 75th birthday, which is on November 16, 2023.
The doodle features a collage of some of her most famous photographs, as well as a feather, a symbol of honour and respect in many Native American cultures.
The doodle is meant to celebrate Cameron’s legacy as a trailblazer and a storyteller who used her camera as a tool to amplify the voices and the visions of her people.
How old was Barbara May Cameron when she passed away?
Barbara May Cameron passed away on February 12, 2002, at the age of 53.
She died of complications from diabetes, a disease that affects many Native American people.
She was survived by her partner, Hulleah Tsinhnahjinnie, a Navajo-Muscogee photographer and professor, and her three siblings, Robert Jr., Evelyn, and Philip.
Barbara was buried at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in New Mexico, where she lived for the last years of her life.
Conclusion
Barbara May Cameron was a Native American photographer and activist who made a significant impact on the world with her work.
She was one of the first Native American women to become a professional photographer and a prominent figure in the Native American rights movement.
She is remembered as a trailblazer and a storyteller who used her camera as a tool to amplify the voices and the visions of her people.
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