We Sing, We Pray by Russel Albert Daniels

Information

Submitted on: 10 Mar 09

Category: General

Rating:

Description of Essay as provided by photographer:

[EDIT- from Russel Albert Daniels on March 13th, 2009]
Matthew DeRoche was Blackfeet from Heart Butte, Montana where he lived with his mother and sisters on the Blackfeet reservation. In 2007 they moved north on the reservation to Browning to be closer to Indian Health Care. Matthew became disabled by diabetes which left him blind, an amputee and wheelchair dependent. He said his blindness brought him closer to the Great Spirit. Matthews health didn’t hold him back from being involved in Indian Country- With the help of family and friends Matthew regularly conducted traditional spiritual and healing ceremonies for family, friends and his community. He embraced all people and religions while routinely engaging in healthy discussion of spirituality.
Matthew was Two-Spirit. Two-Spirit is the contemporary name of traditional Native American gender recognition that identifies both the feminine spirit and the masculine spirit living in the same body, sort of a third gender. Today many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender natives identify themselves as Two-Spirit. Previous to the colonization of the Americas, Two-Spirit natives held important roles in many tribes: chiefs, warriors, guides, medicine persons, etc… Matthew was regularly asked to conduct ceremonies for Two-Spirit Society gatherings throughout the nation.
Two-Spirits are recognized by many traditional elders and are considered to be a large proponent in the restoration of the health and spirituality in Indian Country.

Matthew unexpectedly died March 6, 2009 as a result of his health conditions. He was only 36.

Matthew DeRouche is Blackfeet from Heart Butte, Montana where he lives with his mother on the Blackfeet reservation. Matthew conducts spiritual and healing ceremonies for family, friends and his community. Matthew has become disabled by diabetes which has left him blind, an amputee and wheelchair dependent. He says his blindness has brought him closer to the Great Spirit.

Matthew is Two Spirit. Two Spirit is a traditional Native American gender recognition that identifies with both the feminine spirit and the masculine spirit living in the same body. Today many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender natives describe themselves as Two Spirit. Previous to the colonization of the Americas, Two Spirit natives held important roles in many tribes, from chiefs, warriors, guides, and medicine persons. Matthew is regularly asked to conduct ceremonies for Two Spirit Society gatherings throughout the nation.

Two Spirits are recognized by many traditional elders and are considered to be a large proponent in the restoration of the health and spirituality in indian country.

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Viewing 15 Comments

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    Russ, I can't tell you how many times I have thought about this since I first viewed it. I find something new each time I see it. I can't wait to see what you do next!
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    Matt was my brother, he and I had a connection since the day we met. I can not describe the type of person Matt was in a few words. I can only say that people like Matt are a dying race, he taught me about my Native culture. He taught me to not be ashamed cause I was Indian. Matt always loved people for who they were and when he looked at you, he looked at your soul. Matt never saw you for what race you were but for what your soul had to show. I loved Matt soo much and his passing really left a big whole in my heart. He was a person with a great sense of humor, someone who could laugh about everyhting and anything. His laughter and getting silly is what I missed the most. I thank you for these pictures and the story, his mom Marylouise shared this link with me. Peace be with you,

    His Canadian Sister
    Jera
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    The photos are composed nicely. I hope you win.
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    Thank you so much Russel for doing this story. For a long time I had my own prejudices about someone coming into our world in the way that you did. I'm so happy that I ended those prejudices so that I could see who you are as a person. It wasn't only about you telling our story honestly, it was about knowing you and knowing that you would know what to do with it. You have captured moments that I cherish with all my heart. Thank you for that. I can't wait to see your finishing product. Nicholas and I both appreciate it more then you know.
    Thank you!
    Michaela LeCompte
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    Hi Russel,
    The color in the photos is beautiful. I am truly honored by your art. But I also want people to know that the man behind the camera [Russel] has a very humble and kind soul. Thank you for this good work you are doing and I can't wait until the video component comes out.
    :)
    Raven
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    Let me just say; this is professionally mastered; it's informative and touching, not to mention the subject matter is exceptionally provocative and influential in the current political sphere. Nice job my boy, nice job indeed.
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    Judges Comments:
    Russel – Its always a gift when we as photographers can meet such unique subjects who also happen to be incredible individuals in their own right. I appreciate your sensitive approach to this story and the visual variety that you packed in to the edit. It is obvious that you spent some time on this. The main constructive criticism that comes to mind is that the story doesn’t have any rise and fall throughout – it is consistent but lacks the emotional wallop needed to make it really stick with the viewer. I’m sorry to hear of Matthew’s passing. I’m sure these photos will be invaluable to his family. Try to use the foundation you have built with this project to expand and continue honing these linear narratives. I’m looking forward to seeing what you do next. Best of luck.
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    Great essay! I real feel like I was able to get a glimpse into worlds one rarely has a chance to see or understand.
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    Thanks for the photos. I met Matthew at the 20th Annual International Two-Spirit Gathering. I remember his fondly from that time. We found out we were related by family through Blackfoot Confederacy (im from Siksika in Canada). I remember going up to him at the gathering and speaking to him in Blackfoot saying "oki napi" and after that he was so glad to see someone from home. He was happy to hear familiar sounds. During the gathering I asked him for help and he helped me through ceremony. He also named me in our traditional way. It was very sad to hear of his passing. Thank you for honouring him and giving people an opportunity to see these pictures. They say a lot to those who knew him and of the traditional ways and for others to learn more about them. I'm glad to have met him. Katamatsin
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    Russel-
    It is so good to see Matt again. Nice collection of photos. I was very fortunate to meet his presence at the 20th annual International Two Spirit Gathering in Minnesota in 2008. He had given me good counceling about a situation our group was having. I felt at peace in his presence. While at the gathering he had blessed and eagle feather that was given to me there. One of the evening there we sat up outside the lodge where we were staying and laughed for a long time. We were talking about traditional Apache music and songs. I told him that I would make a CD for him. After I got home I made that CD and sent it up to to the Montana Two Spirit Gathering along with some tobacco. I hope he is still listening to it doing a traditional round dance. He is aperson that will remain memorable in my mind and want to aspire to be.
    Crisosto Apache (Mescalero Apache)
    Co-Chair
    Two Spirit Society of Denver
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    Hi Crisosto

    Sorry for such a delay in my response, i just recently realized people have been commenting on this story.

    Your words are so nice and so true, Matt was a unique spirit, touching many lives and hearts. I can still hear his laughter and his songs, they will carry with me beyond my grave. I bet he is dancing real good to them Apache songs and of course them round dance ones too- he was so open to everything.

    RUssel

    here is a video i put together: http://vimeo.com/5630384
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    Hi Russell, This is alex, Matts friend Sorry i missed you after the funeral. my email address is a_good_rider@hotmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. There is much more to share.
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    great story
    He will be missed by many people far and in every direction.
    He and i are brother's as sundance dancers, we were both very young at that time.
    I will always remember his light heartedness and jokes even we he was feeling little down from being sick. I will try every day to be more like he was with his happiness and joy for life.
    I enjoyed evey minute he and i spent these last few months singing and preying.

    again good story and hope to see more
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    Hi Corwin

    I just realized, after 7 months, that more people have been leaving comments here.
    It was a real honor to have sweated with you and Matt on his birthday last year, even though you guys about cooked me. these memories will never be forgotten. thanks for letting me participate and witness such beauty. russel
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    Russell,
    Thanks for your comment on Matt, he is a cousin of mine and a very loved member of the Blackfeet Community. As was commented, he is an only son, and will be sadly missed, and ever remembered in 'thought & Prayer', as he was a very Traditional and reverned member of the church, and Traditional Ceremonials. So he was met by his Savior/Creator, when he crossed over. At the time of his death he was a full-time student at Blackfeet Community College, and a participant of our Student Program (SSS) Academic Enrichment Services (Student Services) And will be Forever remembered, and missed.
    I appreciate all the comments, and just had to add mine.

    In remembrance of Matt.

    P.S. I will attend the Gathering in his HONOR
    God Bless,
    David Home Gun
    BCC- AES Administrative Assistant

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