Each fall, the Coeur d’Alene Tribe gathers at Lake Coeur d’Alene —to harvest water potatoes, a traditional food that has sustained our people for generations. I partnered with the Tribe’s Natural Resources Department to document this year’s harvest, capturing the quiet strength of the diggers, the laughter of families working side by side, and the teachings elders offered on the shoreline.
My role included on-site photography, drone footage, interviews with staff and community members, and a short video piece that brought the day to life. The goal wasn’t just to show an event—it was to honor a practice that continues to connect us to land, language, and identity.
The final deliverables are being used by the Natural Resources Department for education, outreach, and future grant work. More importantly, the project centered Tribal voices and affirmed a story that has existed long before cameras—one of stewardship, belonging, and relationship to place.
The Land is Smiling
In this 3 minute video, we explore the cultural and spiritual importance of gathering for Water Potatoes.
The Land Remembers
In this social media reel, Tribal Council Member Heme James relates the importance of being out on the land.
