Onondowa’ga’

Translation from the Seneca language: “People Of The Great Hill”

Experiencing the lack of contemporary Indigenous representation within the city of Buffalo, NY. Olivia presents a 35mm film series dedicated to the authentic representation of the community members of the Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation. Accompanied by a non-traditional-traditional mixed-media series, mixing ancient Indigenous craft and contemporary art. This series was created to reflect what a tribal community looks like… despite how U.S popular culture has altered the perception of these said communities.

Enjoy, nya:weh (thank you).

Protect our elders

*Sandy Jimerson 1*
35mm film photography
2022

*Sandy Jimerson 2*
35mm film photography
2022

Sabryna Stevens Studio Visit

Beading and creating beaded jewelry is one of the most popular art forms on the Cattaraugus Territory. Artist that create intricate beadwork pieces range from childeren to elders. It is one of the most assessable forms of art among many Indigenous communities in North America.

Sabryna Stevens

Studio of a Beader, 35mm film photography, 2022

Tattoos Tell Our Story, 35mm film photography, 2022

Studio of a Beader 2, 35mm film photography, 2022

Reclaim What’s Ours

Reclaim What’s Ours speaks on issues that effect Indigenous communities within the U.S and Canada. These issues are land reclamation, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women epidemic, and the endangered role of women within leadership…

In collaboration with Hayden Haynes, a traditional antler and bone carver from the Cattaraugus Reservation.

Haynes plays an integral role in the revitalization of antler and bone carving practices within the Onondowa’ga’ communities. An educator, historian, and mentor to emerging artist, Haynes brings healing to many through his creations.

Necklace :"Message from our Ancestors" (2021) by Hayden Haynes. Collection of the Johnson Museum of Art

Hayden Haynes

Seven Generations

Vera S.
35mm film photography
Necklace: "Cloud Connected" (2020) by Hayden Haynes
2022

“The Seven Generation” principle

An ancient Haudenosaunee philosophy that conceptualizes how the decisions and actions we make today will effect the next seven generations into the future.

How are you making an impact?

Who do you do it for?

wHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IN?

Hayden Haynes Studio Visit

Haynes Studio
35mm film photography
2022

Haynes Studio 2
35mm film photography
2022

“To respect the artist and their energies that’s exerted and left behind in the wake of creation”

Haydens Antler Creations

IHaynes Studio Study 3

35mm film photography

2022

Montour Sisters

Dark & Light Rez Dogs

35mm film photography

2022

Returning back to our roots

*Chase Scanlan*
35mm film photography
2021

*Chase Scanlan 2*
35mm film photography
2021

*Cattaraugus Creek*
35mm film photography
2021

Where wE COME TOGETHER

Powwow…

Also called a ‘social’ or ‘cake walk’…

A competition or gathering where traditional dancers compete for the spot as the best dancer within the gathering. Dancers often win prize money, gift cards, or title as ‘prince’ or ‘princess’. Powwows are intertribal events… hundreds of tribal nations hold powwows across North America. Also known as the ‘powwow trail’, where traveling artist, crafters, tradesmen, families, and dancers travel turtle island to attend powwows.

Anyone is welcome to attend as a viewer, but not everyone is welcome to participate.