Angel White Eyes’ journey to Maȟpíya Lúta began when she was just seven years old. Her family moved from Rapid City, SD to Pine Ridge, SD when her father, Roger, took a teaching job at Maȟpíya Lútaa High School. Enrolled at Maȟpíya Lúta in second grade, Angel embraced her new community.
High school wasn’t always easy for Angel. As a freshman, she faced both academic and personal challenges during her transition into adolescence. However, the support of her family and friends helped her persevere, laying the foundation for her success. She also formed lifelong relationships with her friends, including the late Casey Zimiga, Willi White, Mando Ecoffey, and James La Pointe, all of whom have played significant roles in her life.
Maȟpíya Lúta helped prepare Angel for the future by teaching her the importance of time management and academic responsibility, which proved invaluable when she later transitioned to college.
After graduating, Angel began her career by joining the AmeriCorps program at Maȟpíya Lúta, where she worked as a teacher’s aide in a kindergarten classroom. She also continued her education at Oglala Lakota College, earning an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts. Later, she transitioned to Maȟpíya Lúta’s advancement office before moving into the Superintendent’s office, where she was encouraged to pursue her Bachelor’s degree.
In 2018, Angel joined Thunder Valley CDC, where she worked in the Advancement Office and Social Enterprise department. During this time, she also grew her passion for photography, eventually working as the photo editor for NDN Collective. She graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Oglala Lakota College and continues to thrive in her professional and creative pursuits.
Angel’s passion for photojournalism, especially in showcasing Indigenous issues, is at the core of her career. Through her photography, she captures powerful images that highlight the incredible work of Indigenous people in her community and beyond.
Angel continues to grow her photography business while making a significant impact at NDN Collective. Her work will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift her community for years to come.
Reflecting on her time as a high school senior, Angel advises students to focus on themselves and their future. She exemplifies a person who embraces the support of those around them and stays committed to their goals.