Join in a compelling conversation on March 11 about the Landback movement, featuring Indigenous photographer and journalist Joe Whittle (enrolled member of the Caddo Nation of Oklahoma and descendant of the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma) alongside a panel of scholars, activists, and storytellers. 

Presentation and Panel Discussion: 4:30–6 p.m., Knight Library, 1501 Kincaid St., Browsing Room 105 

Reception: 6–7:30 p.m., in Paulsen Reading Room, Knight Library, second floor north 

The free event will center on Whittle’s latest project, LANDBACK: Returning Public Lands to Native Americans, a photo essay (an article about which will be appearing soon in TIME Magazine) exploring legal and ecological arguments for land restitution. 

“I want people to understand the way that Indigenous people have historically and contemporarily been caretakers of the land. I want people to understand the cultural ethics that guide our relationships with the land. That way, it will make more sense why we do the things that we do specifically to take care of the land, and why I believe that we are the proper stewards of the land because we remain guided by these cultural and spiritual ethics around our relationships with the land,” said Whittle.

The panelists joining Whittle will engage the audience in discussion about the return of federal lands to Native stewardship, climate justice, and ethical storytelling as well as tackle ethical considerations in journalism, particularly when documenting communities outside one’s own. 

Panelists

• Brian Bull (Nez Perce), assistant professor, School of Journalism and Communication
• Torsten Kjellstrand, professor of practice, School of Journalism & Communications 
• Kanim Moses-Conner (Nez Perce) great-great-great grandnephew of the legendary Chief Joseph and frequent subject and collaborator of Whittle’s 
• Marisol Peters (Karuk), panel moderator, co-director of the UO’s Native American Student Union, and third-year undergraduate student majoring in Native American and Indigenous Studies and Public Policy

“The Landback movement seeks to address historical injustices and uphold treaty obligations, emphasizing Indigenous ecological principles such as sustainability, conservation, and reciprocal relationships with the land. Whittle’s work highlights how these perspectives offer solutions to today’s pressing climate and environmental crises,” shared Danielle Mericle, curator of visual materials in SCUA and one of the event co-hosts. 

“When you see the photos, there'll be a story behind each one that describes the practice you're seeing in the photo, it's origin, and why the Indigenous people depicted in the photo are engaging in that practice,” added Whittle. 
 

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering relationships with tribal communities, the UO Libraries’ Special Collections and University Archives (SCUA) is exhibiting several of Whittle’s photographs in The Land We Have Always Known, curated by Peters as part of her job as a curatorial assistant in SCUA. The university also recently acquired 30 prints from the LANDBACK project for its archive, ensuring that this vital work remains accessible for future generations. 

Organizers hope the conversation will spark ongoing dialogue and reflection within the UO community. “By engaging with these complex topics with openness, empathy, and curiosity, we can work toward more just and sustainable policies and practices. We hope you’ll join us,” Mericle said. 

This free event is made possible thanks to the generous contributions of time and resources by the following people and UO units: 

Co-Hosts 

• Kirby Brown, Native American and Indigenous Studies 
• Torsten Kjellstrand, School of Journalism and Communication 
• Danielle Mericle, Special Collections and University Archives, UO Libraries 
• Marisol Peters, Native American Student Union 

Co-Sponsors 

• Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies 
• Division of Equity and Inclusion 
• Oregon Humanities Center 
• Special Collections and University Archives in UO Libraries 
• School of Journalism and Communication