The thematic exploration of my new body of work, Blood Quantum, confronts the complexities of Native identity, sovereignty, and representation, through photography, interviews, and video. My research inquiry questions for this project grew from the understanding that I am a white passing bi-racial woman, who is an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan Tribe of Chippewas. My old “Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) card” states I’m ¼ Ojibwe. And although I don’t feel Native enough to represent the voice of my tribe, I do feel qualified to explore how the colonial concept of Blood Quantum affects our fractured Native identities. No other beings endure such treatment other than dogs and horses when evaluated for pedigree.
