Monday

The Canadian photographer has won the prize for her documentary project, following the demonstrations against the North Dakota Pipeline at Standing Rock

 Albertan photographer Amber Bracken is the 2017 first prize winner of the World Press Photography award in the Contemporary Issues category.

Bracken, whose work is particularly concerned over the relationship between indigenous communities and the government in Canada and North America, has earned the high profile award for her documentation of the increasingly desperate protests against the North Dakota Pipeline at Standing Rock.

“I’ve been compelled by issues of indigenous rights for some time now,” says Bracken. “Especially after Canada’s Idle No More movement. The fallout of colonisation and the ongoing betrayal of treaties is the greatest source of domestic injustice in the western world. ”

The demonstrations in North Dakota began early last year, where the Standing Rock native tribes and hundreds of others began to protest the construction of a water pipeline that would run from the Bakken oil fields in the western part of the state, down to south Illinois.

It would cross directly beneath the Mississippi Rivers and cut straight through a number of ancient, sacred burial sites. Just a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that gave the construction the go ahead.

Photos: Amber Bracken

“I’m not convinced that one image or story can noticeably change the trajectory of a specific situation, except in extremely rare situations. But I do believe there is value in adding to the discourse, eventually reaching a critical mass that does affect change. I am also glad there were so many covering the camps and my hope is that, collectively, the documents can support justice.”
Source 

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

 Photos: Amber Bracken

Responses to "Edmonton photographer wins prestigious award for Standing Rock coverage"

  1. Unknown says:

    Well deserved award, Amber Bracken! Your photos tell the story that needs telling. Congratulations!

  2. Anonymous says:

    Congratulations! Your photographs allow the world to 'see' what is going on. Thank you for the coverage.

  3. Super Great Coverage , Send him to Washington to cover Trumps Impeachment ....................

  4. Anonymous says:

    Thank you for supporting truth.

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