11/30/2025
Throughout November, we’re spotlighting Native changemakers—leaders, artists, and advocates who are shaping their communities and driving change. Today we highlight Matika Wilbur.
Matika Wilbur is a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes and an accomplished photographer dedicated to reshaping perceptions of Native American communities. In 2012, she launched her ambitious project, Project 562, photographing people from nearly every federally recognized tribe across the United States to highlight Native identity and resilience. Wilbur’s work emphasizes personal choice and cultural pride, allowing her subjects to showcase their own stories and traditions. Through her compelling imagery and storytelling, she aims to humanize Native peoples, challenge stereotypes, and foster a collective understanding of Indigenous strength and diversity. Her project has garnered national attention, inspiring conversations about identity, recognition, and the ongoing presence of Native communities in contemporary America.
