The earth my mother

The book combines poetry, original art work as well as color and black-and-white photographs – a composition technique that reflects Nils-Aslak Valkeapää´s unique creative aesthetic. In this book the indigenous peoples’ voices are expressed through poetry and imagery. The contrasts between insight and primitiveness in the traditional western sense of these words are transformed into a message about humanity’s relationship to the earth – something which we all depend on for our existence. As part of this there is also a cosmic and religious dimension of indigenous peoples’ faith and gratitude for everything that makes life beautiful and good.

The images are, in addition to the author’s personal photographs and paintings, collected from various archives and photographers.