Another element of my photography focuses on the people of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. The history of this region involved the Spaniards' attempt to civilize Native people, diffuse their culture, spirituality and language and to pacify the land so as to exploit its natural resources. The losses for Native people were real; and the cumulative effect of the New World changed the people and land forever. And still, these communities of First People face tremendous loss and theft of opportunity to live full, free and healthy lives. To be among them is to see their connection to and love of the land and one is often able to find still alive their customs and language. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to have crossed paths with many of these remarkable people. I am honored to feature some of them here.