Since inception in 2013, The Red Road Project’s purpose is to document, through words, photos, videos and archive materials, the inspiring and resilient stories of Native America. These stories, not often told, highlight the people and communities that are taking positive actions and demonstrating resilience. More often than not, we see a non-Native narrative reporting on what Indigenous cultures are or represent and this often leads to misconceptions and fuelling of negative stereotypes and micro-aggressions. With the vast and complicated historical trauma that American Indian people have had to endure for centuries, our intention through this project is to redirect that conversation. It is important that The Red Road Project is a platform for Native American people to tell their stories of past, present, and future through their own voices and words. We believe that Indigenous knowledge and teachings can also suggest solutions to the issues we are facing collectively as humans – now more so than ever.

The title of this work comes from various Native American teachings that encourage one to “walk the red road”. When Native American people say they are walking the “red road” it means they are living life with purpose while on a path to positive change. Through this work, we want to illustrate how various American Indian tribes have had to overcome constant attempts of cultural genocide and acknowledge the residual scars of colonization, but more importantly, bring forth the resilience, resistance, and revitalization of Indian Country today.

The project has evolved into a non-profit organization with the aim to foster Indigenous communities and knowledge.