One of our favorite aspects of photography is its unique ability to forge deep connections within communities, offering a sense of engagement that goes beyond mere observation. When documenting cultural revitalization, capturing and preserving these significant events often feels like becoming a part of the story itself. This approach has led to numerous friendships formed during our extensive documentary photo projects across Alaska.

A standout moment in our career has been witnessing and documenting the growth of Ben Young’s language immersion preschool. His dedication to preserving the Haida language and significantly increasing the number of Haida speakers has been truly inspiring. Seeing the children receive their traditional Haida names during the graduation ceremony was a profoundly memorable experience, highlighting the impact of cultural preservation and education.