Meet Meriam from Morocco and Jonathan from the USA

They met online over 15 years ago. They are both indigenous. Meriam is Amazigh (the indigenous people of North Africa) and Spanish. Jonathan is Choctaw, Cherokee and African American. This was their common connection. In the beginning of their relationship, Meriam traveled to the United States to attend pow wows. She was fascinated and continued to travel back and forth between the two countries, studying the indigenous peoples in both countries. Her first date with Jonathan was to a pow wow and the next was to the Gathering of the Nations. They have spent a good portion of their relationship traveling to what they call “the roots” – meaning where traditions and cultures were created. While doing so, they noticed that indigenous peoples from all over the world, while unique in their own ways, all have many similarities. Because of this, they were inspired to document and create art throughout their journey. When we asked them, if they had one thing to tell the world they said, “Look to the roots and follow the old ways. A slower way of life is important. Be present. Explore life. Lean into the light and happiness of life and be who you are. Don’t be afraid to show love.” Thank you so very much for visiting!

Explore Meriam’s artwork here: M Djaouhar Photography, LLC (https://mdjaouhar.smugmug.com/)

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