Maria Sturm - You Don't Look Native to Me

In a quaint town nestled in North Carolina, the Lumbee tribe defies conventional notions of identity. Since 2011, photographer Maria Sturm has been capturing their stories. In one particular community, identity transcends mere appearance, finding its roots in lineage and history. Sturm delves into the lives of the youth, who are forging their own paths to self-discovery. The series in turn becomes a compelling exploration of our outdated criteria for constructing identity. Through images of people, places, and interiors, she confronts misconceptions about Native American identity, raising poignant questions concerning how stereotypes seep into our perceptions as truths.