This is a photograph of Johnny Arlee. Johnny is a well known elder in the Salish and Kootenah tribes, in Montana. He has been an ambassador for his people in many ways.
In 1972, Johnny starred in the movie Jeremiah Johnson, with Robert Redford. Johnny was initially requested by the film producers to assist the cast as a consultant because the Salish people (also known as the Flathead tribe) were being included in the storyline. The producers wanted someone who spoke the language to assist the actors with their speech for authenticity.
After seeing Johnny, the director was impressed by his appearance and requested him to be put in the movie itself. Johnny continued his work with the cast and spent several days with them to ensure that their pronunciation of the Salish language was correct.
Salish is an extremely difficult language to master. It uses many instances of onomatopoeia (This is using a word that sounds like the sound being described). Johnny also worked with the tribal committee to encourage them to come up with a written language to accompany the spoken language of the people. He has been instrumental in helping the Salish to regain their language.
Historically, many Native Americans had “lost their tongues” (forgotten how to speak their native language). Between the missionaries, and the American government schools on the reservations, they were discouraged from using their traditional languages. Today, many of the younger generation are once again learning to speak their native languages.
Johnny is a professor at the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, MT where he teachers tribal history as well as the Salish language. He is an author and well respected spiritual leader for the community. He has also made a number of recordings featuring traditional songs.
Michael considers himself extremely fortunate to have been able to photograph some of the Native American tribes. He has striven to capture their majesty and honor through his photographs and paintings.