Conference looks at how early 20th century photography shaped view of Blackfeet

Images have a powerful influence on shaping culture. Learn how modern American images formed the view of the Blackfeet, both within the culture and outside of it at a one-day conference today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Cuts Wood School on the Blackfeet Reservation.

The Piegan Institute sponsors the event, which is free and open to the public.

Americans often evoke the romantic photographic images of Edward Curtis or Walter McClintock or the colorful paintings of Winold Reiss when they think of the Blackfeet. Paradoxically, many Blackfeet think of those same images, according to the institute. The conference examines how and why images created in the early 20th century became such powerful portrayals of Blackfeet life.

Presenters include Dr. Dave R.M. Beck, Native American Studies Department at the University of Montana; Dr. William Farr, History Department, University of Montana; Darrell Robes Kipp, filmmaker and poet, Piegan Institute; Valentina LaPier, visual artist; and Darnell Rides at the Door, Museum of the Plains Indian and Blackfeet Community College.

The Cuts Wood School is on the north end of Browning on Main Street, one block east of the U.S. Post Office. For more information on the conference call Rosalyn LaPier at 338-3518.