Two Indian artists, Sterlin Harjo and Ryan Red Corn, recently posted a video to YouTube that has an unusual dedication. "This film is dedicated to Edward S. Curtis," the opening to Smiling IndiansSmiling Indians states. Edward S. Curtis is well known for his early 1900s images of Indian Country. But Harjo, who is Seminole and Creek, and Red Corn, who is Osage, noticed that none of the subjects are smiling so they made their own response video. "A film like this is our way of trying to counter-balance the images that kids are exposed to in the classroom," Red Corn told The Tulsa World. "And by using comedy - or at least, taking a light-hearted approach - we're able to make a statement that's closer to reality. Laughter and joy is very much a part of Native culture." The video has received over 27,000 views so far. Get the Story:
'Smiling Indians' tries to balance older series (The Tulsa World 3/23)
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