Biography of Brenda Mitten
Brenda Mitten is not just a photographer; she's a storyteller, a documenter of cultures, and a bridge between worlds.
As a member of the Bear Clan of the Seneca Nation of Indians, she calls Six Nations of the Grand River territory her home. Her journey into photography began as a young teen, sparked by an innate love for capturing moments that tell profound stories.
In the 1980s, Brenda co-founded and co-directed the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers' Association (NIIPA), a significant milestone in her career. NIIPA served as a platform to showcase the works of various Native photographers from across the country in gallery settings, breaking away from traditional narratives and offering a fresh perspective on Native American and First Nations cultures.
Brenda's lens primarily focuses on documenting the rich and diverse cultures of the Haudenosaunee, also known as the Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy, and other Native American communities. Her photography stands as a testament to authenticity, challenging the Hollywood portrayal of indigenous people and providing a genuine representation of Native Americans in the 21st century.
One of Brenda's remarkable abilities is to capture moments that reveal the true essence of her subjects. Often, she photographs Native people celebrating their traditional way of life, seizing the fleeting moments between ceremonial activities. Her rapport with her subjects allows her to create authentic, heartfelt images, framed to perfection. These individuals haven't dressed for her; they've carefully chosen their attire to express gratitude to their Creator. Brenda's role is to bear witness to this beauty.
Brenda's work is more than just photographs; it's a visual narrative that reflects the resilience and strength of Native American and First Nations cultures. It's a testament to her dedication to sharing the stories and lives of Indigenous people with the world.
“Brenda documents the culture of the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois Conferacy), First Nations, and Native American people. However, it is not the gaze of the non-Indian (Hollywood) shaping your view of the First Nation and Native American people. In this instance, it is a Seneca woman creating a lasting impression of Native Americans in the first quarter of the 21st Century.”
Exhibitions
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March 1985
Visions
Photo Union Gallery, Hamilton, Ontario (Traveling Exhibition)
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April 1986
Silver Drum
(Traveling Exhibition)
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April 1986
Solo Exhibition
Museum of Indian Archeology, London, Ontario
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September 1986
Images of Ongwehonwe Khaa (the Way of Life of the Real People)
CEPA Gallery, Buffalo, New York
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May 1986
Indian Art ‘86
Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario
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May 1987
Indian Art ‘87
Woodland Cultural Centre, Brantford, Ontario
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July 1990
Telling Pictures
Kingston Artists’ Associations Inc., Kingston, Ontario
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November 2012
Four from Six
Niagara Artists Center, St. Catherines, Ontario
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April 2015
Solo Exhibit
Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown, New York
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July 2015
Wa’tkwanonhwera’ton (I send greetings to you)
Glenhyrst Art Gallery, Brantford, Ontario
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December 2017
Shining light on the Native Indian/Inuit Photographers’ Association, 1985-1992
McMaster Museum of Art, Hamilton, Ontario
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May 2022
NIIPA 20/20
McMaster Museum of Art, Hamilton, Ontario
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October 22, 2023 - January 14, 2024
In Our Hands: Native Photography, 1890 to Now
Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Brenda Mitten's photography is not just an art form; it's a journey into the heart and soul of indigenous cultures, providing a unique perspective on their vibrant existence in the contemporary world. Through her lens, she invites you to see, understand, and appreciate the beauty and strength of Native American and First Nations peoples.
