Statement by Ambassador William B. Taylor
I am delighted to be able to share "Sacred Legacy," a collection of 60 prints drawn from thousands of photographs taken by famed American photographer Edward S. Curtis, with the people of Ukraine. In 1900 Curtis set out to document the history, spirituality, and culture of all intact Native American tribes west of the Mississippi; these photographs depict life on the Great Plains, in the Southwest, and on the Northwest Coast, the Plateau and Alaska.
Much as Ukrainians recognize the need to document and celebrate the myriad of cultural groups represented within its borders, Curtis understood the urgency of his endeavor and wrote: "The passing of every old man or woman means the passing of some tradition, some knowledge of sacred rites possessed by no other; consequently, the information that is to be gathered, for the benefit of future generations, respecting one of the great races of mankind, must be collected at once or the opportunity will be lost for all time."
As you will see in the 60 photographs presented here, Curtis produced stunning images that take us into the heart and soul of Native American culture. These representations continue to have an immense impact on the way we see Native American life. Their depiction of a changing and vanishing society reminds us of the importance of understanding and respecting other peoples. As the world struggles with inter-ethnic conflict and minority rights, this message remains relevant; it is important that we work to respect other cultures, as the loss of one diminishes us all.