Over the last couple years, we had embarked on a series of drawing and painting workshops that linked the youth with the elders through storytelling. Today, we headed out into the field to explore self documentation- with instant photography! This workshop focused on the primary grade of children who were about 13 in total. Split into three groups led by Jack, Davis, and Melanie from our XG team; the goal was for each student to shoot a collection of instant photographs of and around their forests and peers using the Fuji Instax Square 1 Camera.

Davis provided the tutorial on how to handle the device, appointing each group with a team leader: Group 1 led by Tatyana, Group 2 led by Dennis, and Group 3 by Adriano.

The kids used the camera like it was second nature to them, photographing things like aguaje palm trees, the snaking streams, and their elders busy with their daily rituals. All of the group expressed an eager excitement to take turns seeing their world through the lens. The accessibility of something like an instant photo encouraged a level of engagement amongst the children and surprisingly there was never any competition between them.

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After the field shooting, all the children gathered into the classroom to share their group's photos, with a brief explanation about each. Public speaking didn't come naturally for some, but confidence grew as each one led by example, innocence coating their pride.

By the end of it all, each group captured between 23-30 instant photos successfully documenting their familiar lives and the nature to which they are connected.

These original recordings and photography are an ongoing part of our many visits to the community. We hope that you continue to follow our progress with this long-standing project of art and storytelling, focused on connecting the youth with the oral traditions of their elders and living culture through creative workshops and relationship building.

This project is made possible through our partnership with SePerú; a non-profit organization dedicated to equal benefits and co-management of Peruvian Indigenous communities and their natural ecosystem.

Support this project so that we may continue to bridge worlds with the Matsigenka youth and their elders.

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Video Footage: Davis Torres, Melanie Dizon

Video edition: Melanie Dizon

Photography: Davis Torres, Melanie Dizon

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© 2022 by Xapiri Ground. All rights reserved.

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