B. Charlo/Kalispel Nation
The Kalispel reservation is located in the N.E. corner of Washington State. Bob Charlo was born in the small town of Newport, he attended a variety of public schools.

In 1977 Charlo attended the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was there that he first became interested in photography.

After moving to the Seattle area, he attended the University of Washington concentrating on American Indian Studies and Art. Then in 1983, Charlo had to withdraw from classes and return to work. He always wondered if he would get the opportunity to finish.

In the summer of 2001 the Kalispel's Camas Institute asked if he would be interested in returing to classes and finishing his journey in education. In the fall, Bob returned to the University of Washington and in 2004 he graduated from the School of Art and the University of Washington with a Bachelor's of Art Degree.

Immediately after graduation, Bob started with Antioch University Seattle, with the 2nd tribal co-hort at the Muckleshoot Tribal College on the Muckleshoot Reservation in south King County. In the fall of 2006 Charlo completed his educational journey with a Master's Degree in Education.

Bob Charlo is an award winning, internationally known photographer best recognized for his images of American Indian dancers, regalia and landscapes. When Charlo was asked what kind of photographer he is, Bob responds with "I'm a point and pray kind of photographer; I point the camera, take the picture, and pray that it comes out." In his photographs he concentrates on capturing the essence of the moment as a means of artistic expression. His photographs are well received for their artistic value as fine art photography. Charlo states "These accomplishments are not for myself but for all American Indian people."

Young People and Education
"I would like our young people to know, and never forget, who they are and what they represent to our people. They should be proud of the fact that they are American Indians and that they are our people's future. They should walk with purpose and direction, to have and set goals for themselves. I encourage them to stay in school and continue their educaitonal journey at any level. If they dare to pursue their dreams, they can and will accomplish anything when they believe in themselves."

Artist Statement:
"My photographs capture the dignity, the spirit, beauty and inner strength of the American Indian people through the realism of fine art photography. By photographing these moments of our existence, we are more able to recognizee and visualize the lasting impressions of images gathered now."