Benjamin West grew up on the plains of Oklahoma, raised by his father with strong Southern Cheyenne traditions. He is member of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Oklahoma, his mother’s lineage.

 

West’s heritage and upbringing taught him the value of his culture and strengthened his Native American religious beliefs. He fully understands the need to protect it in order to pass it on to future generations.

 

West is an Emmy Award winning photojournalist who works with video as a primary medium. His private work with still photography began in 2005.

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#TheArkeketaProject was created at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Arkeketa, an Otoe-Missouria word that means 'Stands Together' is his maternal surname.

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It represents to West a need for Native American's to come together to conquer the issues that impact Indian Country, including the virus which is disproportionately impacting Native communities in the U.S.

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In 2020 Benjamin West had a Digital Art Print Purchased by &

added to the Newark Museum of Arts Permanent Collection.

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2022 The Arkeketa Project became a Non-Profit registered with the State of Florida.

 

The Arkeketa Projects mission is Enhancing & Amplifying Indigenous Artist through Art, and Media.

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2022 Benjamin West created LandBack MVMT & Organization a Non Profit mission to preserve Indigenous religion, language and culture through education and media.

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2022 LANDBACK LLC was created the Digital Hub of The Arkeketa Project inc and LANDBACK inc.

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