Whitney Snow traveled from the wide open skies of Montana to the concrete jungle of New York City — and came back changed. A documentary photographer dedicated to capturing the emotional connection between people and their environment, Whitney has spent years working alongside Indigenous filmmakers, environmental groups, and community members to document the cultural and environmental preservation initiatives of the Blackfeet people — including language revitalization efforts that are close to her heart. As one of 76 directors behind A Day on Earth, her experience at New York Climate Week was more than a premiere: it was a homecoming of a different kind. In this post, she shares what it felt like to see Indigenous stories told with full honesty, on a global stage, by the people who actually live them.
New York
1:44 AM. Five Guys. Times Square.
I rolled out of my chair and stood up.
“Order 67!”
I showed the cashier my receipt. I grabbed the greasy paper bag, slammed the last of my milkshake, and walked out of Five Guys NYC onto the busy streets of Times Square.
It wasn’t until I had that greasy paper bag in my hand that I realized one thing: I am in New York City.
The next morning, I was completely drenched in jetlag from the long journey. It started with a three-hour flight from the sprawling country landscapes of Montana to the bustling atmosphere of Dallas, TX. My layover was supposed to be a quick, but that fleeting relief was abruptly shattered when we were informed that we had to exit the plane due to mechanical issues that had left the airport tower in darkness, cutting off any chance of takeoff.
After an agonizing nine-hour wait filled with uncertainty and restless pacing, I finally stepped out into the vibrant chaos of New York City. It was a stark contrast to the wide-open skies I had just flown over, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Standing there, far from the comforts of home, I found myself pondering, “What now?”
I had two full days ahead to explore this iconic city before the event of “A Day On Earth.” I was set to meet some of the most brilliant minds behind the documentary and the inspiring organization If Not Us Then Who. But as I opened my hotel window and took in the breathtaking morning view, my heart sank a little. The endless horizon of towering skyscrapers, bustling streets, and crowds of people moving with purpose made me feel small and overwhelmed.
I began to second-guess my decision to come here. In that moment, I felt like a wild creature lost in a loud, vibrant world that was a million miles away from the tranquility of my experiences in cities like Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, DC, and Seattle. Each of those places had their charm, but New York was a completely different beast. I finally understood why they called it the concrete jungle—it was alive, overwhelming, and undeniably captivating.
It’s true what they say about New York City: it’s a melting pot. The constant chatter of foreign languages, mixed with the soul of Frank Sinatra and the energy of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind,” alongside the enticing aromas from thousands of restaurants, created a vibrant symphony of culture and life that I had never experienced before.
I finally understood. New York makes dreams feel alive in your hands. Within its endless motion, I found a strange calm, a sense of belonging. By the next day, I knew this was where I was meant to share our story.
When I feel disconnected or far from home, stories ground me. They bring me back in a way nothing else can. It’s not just about memory – it’s about presence. Even when I’m miles away, remembering the stories brings me home spiritually.
The stories are how I stay connected to the land, to the ancestors, and to the parts of myself that I can’t always explain but always feel.
Whitney Snow
Meeting the Team in New York – Subway N Line Towards NYU Campus
It was a sweltering day, and I was on my way to White Oak Tavern to meet the team before the event. Glancing at my Google Maps, I realized I’d arrive in ten minutes. My attempt to dress nicely quickly turned into regret. I should’ve just taken an Uber instead of enduring the subway heat. At least an Uber has A/C.
Upon arriving at the tavern, I caught my reflection in the window: frizzy hair and sweat dripping down my forehead. Perfect first impression, right? But as I stepped inside, everything changed. Paul was at his computer, and Hugo was at the bar. They greeted me with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm. One by one, I met the rest of the team—Bianca, Yurshell, Lucia, Carlo, and Anastasia. Each of them radiated kindness and a shared passion for making a difference. In that moment, I realized INUTW wasn’t just an organization; it was a family, and now I was part of it.
As we talked, ate, and laughed for hours before the event, they expressed genuine interest in my home, the Blackfeet Nation. Their curiosity melted away my fears: I finally belonged to a community that understood and valued my work. We all shared a common goal, leaning on one another for support.
Before the event, the line stretched down the block with people from every walk of life waiting to experience our story. When the lights dimmed, pride rose within me; our voices filled the room. The film unfolded like a living tapestry, woven with care and persistence, each frame carrying the love of those who made it. It was only the beginning, and I was grateful to witness it.
After Party
The after party was nothing short of a celebration. We returned to White Oak Tavern, the vibrant atmosphere crackling with energy, exhilarated by the warm and enthusiastic response we received from the audience. Want to join in on the excitement? Come meet us at White Oak! And they did! The tavern filled to the brim, alive with the sounds of animated conversations, laughter echoing off the walls, and a wave of nostalgia washing over everyone present. People were eager to learn more; they yearned to immerse themselves in our stories and elevate our experiences as Indigenous Peoples. It felt like the world had opened up before us; the possibilities were endless, and our dreams felt within reach.
As dawn approached and the time to leave drew near, I found myself grappling with a deep, bittersweet sadness. How do you return home after riding such an exhilarating high? I longed to stay for the rest of the week, fueled by inspiration and a renewed commitment to my community. The camaraderie of the INUTW team and the overwhelming support radiating from every corner filled me with emotions that couldn’t be contained. I ended up crying through the entire flight home, each one a reflection of my gratitude and joy and also sadness to leave such a wonderful place.
When I touched down in Bozeman, MT, my family welcomed me with open arms, and we journeyed back to our ranch—the very place where our story began and continues to unfold. While New York will always hold its allure, that moment with the INUTW team, the powerful experience of ADOE, and the impactful Climate Week was truly one of a kind; it was a moment etched in my memory.
Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation and clarity. I will emerge wiser and more confident because of this transformative trip. It reinforced my understanding that what I do truly matters and that the resilient community surrounding us believes in our mission wholeheartedly. This is why I am compelled to write this. I want my fellow filmmakers out there to understand: our stories are precious! There are dedicated individuals within INUTW and the broader community who want nothing more than to see us succeed and share our narratives with the world.
ADOE is unlike any documentary I’ve ever watched; it is raw, poignant, and authentically OUR story, told by US. Not once did I feel that our narrative was distorted or misrepresented. Everything was crafted and conveyed by our own voices, a rare and valuable occurrence in the realm of Indigenous cinema. I extend my deepest gratitude to INUTW for believing in me and in all of us. Your unwavering support empowers Indigenous communities to express their stories in a way that honors our truths. I have no doubt that this film will reach great heights, that the talented filmmakers involved will flourish, and that the inspiring team at INUTW will continue to soar.
Written by Whitney Snow
Explore Whitney’s exceptional work and stories online, through her artist website, and social channels.
