Pamela J. Peters Standing Rock Protest photographs

Collection — Box: 1

Identifier: PH 398

Scope and Contents

The Pamela J. Peters photograph collection consists of documentary photographic prints taken during the 2016 protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) construction across the northern United States. Approved construction for DAPL resulted in the pipeline running through the Standing Rock Reservation of the Great Sioux Nation (Očhéthi Šakówiŋ), a Native American reservation located across the North and South Dakota borders.

In response to the DAPL project’s threats to local water supplies and sacred sites, water protectors from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe were joined in protest by other Native and non-Native allies. Peters’ photos show grassroots opposition and signs of dissent placed on Standing Rock Reservation land where the DAPL was approved for construction. In doing so, her work captures images of water protectors defending the Sioux Nation’s water rights and Indigenous sovereignty through protest (Peters, 2019).

There are 27 (11 x 14”) original archival inkjet color prints. The materials are foldered and housed in 1 flat box measuring 18 x 13” and arranged in the original order established by the photographer.

Source: Peters, Pamela J. (2019). “Beyond Standing Rock.” Pamela J. Peters (blog), February 21, 2019. Retrieved from: https://pamelajpeters.com/2019/02/21/beyond-standing-rock/

Dates

2016

Conditions Governing Access

Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room.

Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.

Collection digital files may be requested through Special Collections and University Archives Reproductions and Permissions Request Form or accessed online.

Conditions Governing Use

Property rights reside with Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries. Copyright resides with the creators of the documents or their heirs.

All requests for permission to publish collection materials must be submitted to Special Collections and University Archives. The reader must also obtain permission of the copyright holder.

Biographical / Historical

Pamela J. Peters is a Diné multimedia artist specializing in filmmaking, photography, and multimedia documentaries. Now living in Los Angeles California, Peters was born in Shiprock, New Mexico on the Navajo (Diné) Nation. She uses her Diné first clan, Tátchii’nii clan (Red Running into the Water) to identify her photography work. Peters’ defines her multimedia work as “Indigenous Realism,” using a socially conscious approach to explore, reimagine, and present the diverse lives of contemporary Native Americans/American Indians. Through incorporating the unique historical experiences of American Indians and sovereign Indian nations, Peters’ aim is to disrupt clichéd portrayals and redefine views of Indian life and tribal identity in the mainstream media (Peters, 2020). Projects have included her 2014 “Legacy of Exiled NDNZ,” inspired by the 1961 Kent Mackenzie film The Exiles, and the 2016 “Real NDNZ Re-Take Hollywood,” which features contemporary Native American actors portrayed as past Hollywood film icons from classic cinema (Peters, 2016).

In addition to presenting her work in public outlets and tribal reservations, she has spoken at universities such as University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), California State Polytechnic University, and California Institute of the Arts. Her work has been exhibited at galleries and museums such as the Los Angeles Center of Photography, These Days Gallery, and Getty Museum. Peters’ work has also been featured in publications such as the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Los Angeles Times, Reuters News, and American Indian Quarterly Journal. Her work is in the permanent collections of the Triton Museum Art, Field Museum, and University of Oregon’s Special Collections and University Archives. Peters received her Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies and Film & Television Studies in 2011 from UCLA (Peters, 2021).

Sources: Peters, Pamela J. (n.d.). “About the Artist.” Pamela J. Peters (blog), n.d. Retrieved from: https://pamelajpeters.com/meet-the-artist/

Peters, Pamela J. (2016). “Real NDNZ ‘Retake’ Hollywood.” Pamela J. Peters (blog), July 25, 2016. Retrieved from: https://pamelajpeters.com/2016/07/25/real-ndnz-re-take-hollywood/

Peters, Pamela J. (2021). “CV.” Pamela J. Peters (blog), 2021. Retrieved from: https://pamelajpeters.com/cv/

UCLA American Indian Studies Center. (2019). “Native Bruins: Past, Present & Emerging.” American Indian Studies Center, August 1, 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.aisc.ucla.edu/news/nativebruins_peters.aspx

Extent

1.5 linear feet (1 container) : 1 (18 x 13") flat box

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Pamela J. Peters is a Diné multimedia artist specializing in filmmaking, photography, and multimedia documentaries. Currently living in Los Angeles, California, her work has been widely exhibited and published. This collection consists of 27 original archival inkjet color prints. The prints feature documentary photography of the 2016 protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline approved for construction on Standing Rock Reservation land. Peters’ work captures images of water protectors defending the Sioux Nation’s water rights and Indigenous sovereignty through protest and signs of dissent.

Arrangement

The Pamela J. Peters photographs are arranged in the original order established by the photographer. There are 27 (11 x 14”) original archival inkjet color prints divided among 2 folders and housed in 1 (18 x 13”) flat box.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Purchase from Pamela J. Peters on 2021 June 17.

Existence and Location of Copies

Collection is available online in the Pamela J. Peters Standing Rock Protest photographs in Oregon Digital.

Subjects

Dakota Access Pipeline Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Documentary photography Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Environmental justice Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Indian women photographers Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Protest movements -- United States Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Standing Rock Indian Reservation (N.D. and S.D.) Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings