Zoë Urness Photograph Bear Woman

Bear Woman Subject "Laura Grizzlypaws was born and raised in Lillooet, British Columbia in the Interior Plateau region, she is of St’át’imc descent. Her St’át’imc name is “Stálhalamcen – Grizzly Paws,” She belongs to the people of Xwisten the Bear Clan. At the age of sixteen, Grizzlypaws began to relearn the St’át’imc traditions. Her passion grew stronger in education, and the heritage of her people. It became a way of life for her.  She is a dancer, drummer and a singer/songwriter, an academic, educator and a language and cultural advocate. In this photo she is on her grandfather’s land where she now lives. She is also with child in this photo. She had birthed three boys prior and her fourth with whom she is carrying in her womb in this photograph was a beautiful little girl born in the winter time following this photo." -- Zoe Urness Photographer Zoe Marieh Urness is an award-winning Alaskan Tlingit photographer whose work focuses on Indigenous communities. Drawing on