Indian Country Traveler & Photographer

Flags of American Indians

Photos and story by: Marilyn Angel Wynn/Nativestock.com                     Nativestock Pictures is the largest supplier ofAmerican Indian Photographs

Each tribe has their own unique culture, language, symbols and now flags. Thanks to the Manataka American Indian Council. Here you will find official flags that represent each individual tribe. Their motto is "Show Pride in Your Tribe... Fly it High".

While traveling through a tribal community I'll generally photograph their tribal flag which usually fly's on a pole next to the stars and stripes flag in front of tribal offices. A quick snapshot of the flag works as a strong illustration in my photo collection that will represent a tribe's government. Many times throughout the year a publisher of educational materials will request a flag, logo or tribal government photo. My image collection has a great assortment that I just don't have on hand yet. When this happens, ordering a specific flag from the American Indian Council for a photo shoot is a must. They have the largest supply in the world.

 

These beautiful flags are not Wally World cheapies. Depending on what you order, flags vary in price from $15-$155 for each flag. Another company that I use is TME Flag Co. To encourage tribes to adopt flags, TME Co. has offered a grant program to ‘flagless’ tribes to design, produce, and sell their flags. So far the Apalachee, Chinook, Clatsop-Nehalem, Jatiboniku Taino, Munsee, Native American Indigenous Indian Community, Northern Tsalagi, Pokanoket Wampanoag, Sakaogon Chippewa, Shoshone-Bannock -- all have benefited from this program. I hope many more will.

 

Both companies flags are of the highest quality. Screened by the most modern acid-dye penetration process for brilliant, long-lasting colors. Each long-lasting 3' x 5' flag is made from high- strength, top-quality woven polyester bunting material. Four full rows of stitching in the fly and two rows of white canvas header are carefully sewn around the entire outside border to provide excellent durability.  Two real brass, weather-proof grommets. Made for indoor or outdoor use.

 

Sounds like an ad. But their quality is outstanding and the variety of choices are the best. There's over 131 authentic tribal flags available on their website. Including a variety of other American Indian flags such as historical, novelty, healing and freedom flags. Supplies such as flag poles and accessories can also be ordered.

 

Hands down the flag photo that I get asked for most is the Iroquois Six Nation Confederacy flag. I only wish that I could afford to buy or rent all the flags so that I could photograph each one flying magestically on a flag pole with billowing clouds dotting a blue sky in the background. Adding more imagery to an already larger than life extensive photo collection on Native American Indian cultures.

 

My Favorite Reservations to Visit & Why

NAVAJO NATION, AZ
Number one favorite reservation to visit for me is Navajoland. Window Rock Arizona is where the seat of the Navajo Nation resides. It's like visiting a state capital with Window Rock Monument Park. You can generally hire a guide who will walk you up to the large hole arch created naturally by weather in the sandstone rock. Believe me, hire the guide for safety reasons. On top you will also be witness to a beautiful view that overlooks the village. The Navajo court is a large building that is fashioned after the traditional circular lodges called hogans. Inside you will see outstanding murals and court is generally in session. There are a few hotels that offer nice accommodations, restaurants with traditional foods and internet access. The Navajo Arts Coop is the place to buy your silver jewelery and weavings. The discounts are incredible and the artist makes most of the money...no middle man.

CHEROKEE RESERVATION, NC
My second favorite is Cherokee North Carolina.

Hopi Indian Reservation

Several times these past years I've had requests for images of the Hopi Indians. Last summer I was fortunate to fly down to Flagstaff Arizona, rent a car and drive the scenic route from Tuba City to the historic Hubbel Trading Post near Ganado through the Hopi homelands. Here I hired Bertram Tsavadawa as my Hopi guide. We met at the Hopi Cultural Center, where I was staying in their lovely quaint lodge.