Ep 8. Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians

In season 15, episode 8 of American Masters, viewers are taken on a journey through the fascinating world of Edward S. Curtis and his work with the North American Indians. Curtis was a photographer who dedicated his life to documenting the lives and traditions of indigenous tribes across America, capturing the people, landscapes and culture of a bygone era.

Through interviews with experts and scholars, as well as descendants of the tribes Curtis documented, viewers will gain insight into the man behind the camera and the impact of his work on American history and culture. Curtis's photographs and films provide a rare glimpse into a world that many Americans have never seen, and his legacy is still felt today.

The episode explores Curtis's early life and his initial encounters with Native American culture, which inspired him to embark on his lifelong project. We also learn about the challenges he faced along the way, such as funding and the logistics of traveling in remote areas, as well as the criticism that his work faced from some quarters who believed he was romanticizing and stereotyping Native Americans.

Despite these challenges, Curtis's passion for his work never waned, and his photography and films capture not only the beauty of the landscape and the people, but also the rich traditions and culture of Native American tribes before they were changed forever by Western expansion.

Overall, Coming to Light: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indians is a powerful and moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to preserving the history and culture of the indigenous people of America. His work is a reminder of the importance of not only preserving the past but also of the need to appreciate and respect different cultures and traditions in the present.