Martha Miles, Apache
Given name: Martha Miles
Date of birth: October 2, 1963
Place of birth: San Carlos, Arizona
Tribe: San Carlos Apache (mother) / Navajo (father)
Years photographs were taken: 1999, 2001
Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"My first day of school. My father walked me to school, held my hand. The school was right behind my house. I felt safe and proud of him."
How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"My life seems easier due to the fact that my parents raised 14 children. I know raising children is a serious, important job and the one thing my parents taught us is to be there for each other. Financially, emotionally, spiritually, giving your time and setting aside your wants in order to be there for your children is what my parents did, now that I look back, I am thankful and appreciative for their hard work."
What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Attending church with my family is a tradition I want my children to never walk away from."
What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I thought when we were going to have photos taken they would be pictures of my daughters. I was there to support them and to make sure they were comfortable with it. When Gary asked me to work, I had to let my girls know that it was ok to experience other things than they were expecting. I only became comfortable with myself being photographed knowing my children were learning and watching. Meeting Gary was a blessing."
What do you see for the future?
"Seeing my children be happy and successful in whatever they want to become."
Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"My first day of school. My father walked me to school, held my hand. The school was right behind my house. I felt safe and proud of him."
Douglas Miles Sr., Apache
Given name: Douglas Miles Sr.
Place of birth: Phoenix, Arizona
Tribe: San Carlos Apache
Year photograph was taken: 2001
Do you have a specific memory that stands out in your mind when you were young?
"I remember my dad and being at home in South Phoenix. There are very few things I remember about my dad except that he once brought us home some small toy soldiers with parachutes. He stood me on the car and let me throw it. He was in WWII. He was a paratrooper and was gravely wounded but made it back home. He knew Ira Hayes (helped raise flag on Iwo Jima) and could play guitar even though some fingers were missing due to his war wounds. That is what I remember earliest."
How is your life different from your parents or grandparents?
"My life is much easier. My parents both worked hard. My dad picked cotton, drove a truck and served in WWII. My mom cleaned houses and ironed clothes for others to feed the family. When she was young she stayed in the mountains with her dad as he helped build dams in and around San Carlos. Today I work at home and am a full-time artist. I went to school and studied art. My mom told me to go to college right after I got married. So I did. I've had many jobs but often felt I never had to work as hard as my parents did. I feel that my life is a result of the dreams, hopes and silent prayers my mom and dad had for us and themselves. They always had books around and loved to read and listen to music. Our lives were filled with a respect for art. As we fulfill our own dreams and creative destiny I feel that my dad is sitting somewhere in heaven nodding his head smiling and saying 'well done'."
What traditions from the past do you still continue to practice?
"Our family was raised in the city so we created some new traditions: family gatherings at the holidays, church on Sunday, and visiting relatives on the "rez" as often as possible. Usually in the summer we visited my mom and dad's family in White River and San Carlos. There have also been Apache Sunrise ceremonies recently where our family was involved. This is a centuries old tradition that still occurs today."
What was your impression on having your photograph taken?
"I usually don't care for my pictures. This picture was different. I like to look at it. My wife seems to just glow. Maybe she can see my love for her reflected in my eyes."
What do you see for the future?
"My family and my children are featured in these photos. I only see success in life for them. The photos capture their determination and pride. They understand that the impossible is possible with hard work and effort. My wife and I have endeavored to let them know their full potential is yet to come. As an artist, I plan to keep painting and being creative. Nothing can stop me because it is my calling and what God intended for me to do."
