C2UExpo Photovoice Project

I captured the photo in my family home in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was a family ceremony where the cow was slaughtered, symbolising the cultural identity of the Zulu community. The family and community members sing songs to thank ancestors and seek blessings. The meat was allocated hierarchically, and each part was distributed using Zulu cultural norms. For instance, the image of the indigenous food was for young boys to share and connect. Therefore, the meat from the ceremony was highly valued for its nutritional, spiritual, and cultural significance, which demonstrates trust and love for our ancestors.

— Dr. Angeline Sibongile Ngcobo 

Indigenous love is knowing that I am a part of something larger than myself. I am watched, loved, and protected by something, whether it be a creator, the universe, or my ancestors.

— Carleen Lehr

I feel Indigenous love the most within myself. When I am working on myself, or creating something beautiful, I feel a strong connection to all of the strong Indigenous people who have come before me; I am never truly alone.

— Carleen Lehr

Indigenous love is resilience. Even though many have tried, and still try, to burn us down, we have kept coming back. We will keep growing and blooming because our roots are strong.

— Carleen Lehr

Indigenous love can be found wherever I am because it comes from within me. My connection to my ancestors is constant and unbreaking.

— Carleen Lehr

This photo represents Indigenous/Metis love through water and how much it has connected me to my family and nature. It holds fond memories of us gathering at the river, my brother and I being taught how to swim, and catching my first fish. Water can also help us to reflect and appreciate how much nature has truly given us.

— Kora Frith

This photo represents Indigenous/ Metis love by symbolizing how vital our connections to nature are. Nature is intertwined with our way of life and traditions; it plays a massive role in everything and is something we appreciate.

— Kora Frith

This photo represents Indigenous love through reflection and how nature can Hold up a mirror to ourselves, which can help us grow as individuals and recognize what we have to be thankful for.

— Kora Frith

This photo represents Indigenous/ Metis love by representing family and how being there for each other helps us get through the difficult times and makes the celebrations of the good times even better, cementing how important sticking together as a family is.

— Kora Frith

This photo represents Indigenous love through the rainbow, which is a symbol of unity. The rainbow helps show us the beautiful signs that nature gives us to help us appreciate and love this life. 

— Kora Frith

Indigenous love is rooted in tradition, nurtured by spirit and thrives in ceremony.

— Tess

Indigenous love is generational knowledge passed down through a mother’s steps, as she follows the red road.

— Tess

Indigenous love, like the tipi, unites the spirit of the land with the guidance of our ancestors watching over us.

— Tess

Indigenous love is our prayers to creator and offerings of gratitude.

— Tess

Indigenous love is honouring the traditions of protocol and wisdom.

— Tess