Deanna Woirhaye

The Gabrieleno-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and the Shiishongna Tongva Nation – Corona Band of Gabrielino Indians

Born 1968, Whittier, California

My name is Wandering Moon Spirit from the Gabrieleno-Tongva San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians and the Shiishongna Tongva Nation – Corona Band of Gabrielino Indians. I was born, raised and currently reside in Whittier, CA. I have been a photographer for over 25 years and have earned many awards in southern California’s art scene. My photographic art has been included in a variety of published magazines, newsletters, websites, advertisements, video presentations, online/on-site fundraising events, church services, educational classes, portrait commissions, city hall exhibitions, fine art festivals, art/gallery shows, city art events and book covers. Recently, I have felt led to photographically document the growing community and voice of the Tongva people, letting the world know that we are still here. Three generations of my family have participated in Tongva cultural events by sharing our tribal dances, songs and instrumentation at tribal ceremonies, the Gene Autry Museum, the Aquarium of the Pacific (Moompetam Native American Festival), nature centers, and pow-wows all around southern California. I am grateful for the joy and loving camaraderie that exists in the tribal community. I look forward to the day when all nations respectfully come together alongside Mother Earth and work together as one.

MORE WORK
“The Blessing” was taken during our June 2010 Naming Ceremony at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, California. Andrew ‘Guiding Young Cloud’ Morales (Son of Chief Red Blood, Anthony Morales), gave the opening blessing.
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