After three weeks on the road, exploring northern British Columbia and a little of Alberta, what sticks in my mind is not so much the beauty in the landscape, although it was abundant, but the beauty in the people. Chance encounters along the way led to these photos and stories of some of the beautiful people of our province.
Nicole: A leader in her community.
Nicole is a Dene woman living in Fort St. James, 60 km north of Vanderhoof. Nicole is a bright shining light in her community. After falling into the trap of alcohol and drugs, she proudly told us she has been clean for 15 years. Now, her mission is to help young people in her community avoid the same trap. She leads a group of 23 promising youth, helping them find a positive lifestyle with constructive alternatives to the despair of drugs. Sadly, she does this pretty much on her own with little support from her own community of elders.
Fabian: Fishing for the generations.
Fabian lives in Moricetown, which is just a little way down the Bulkley River from Smithers. The river flows by Moricetown with tremendous force and power because the banks come together here to create a deep and narrow canyon. Fabian fishes the river almost every day, putting away salmon for his family and community. As Fabian fished, his father watched from the riverbank while he looked after his 4-year-old grandson. All three generations of Fabian’s family were born and raised in Moricetown and all of them are deeply connected to the run of salmon.
Nancy: Dancing for her culture.
Not far south of the Yukon border on Highway 37 is a turnoff to Telegraph Creek. It’s 2.5 hours on a steep (20%) dirt road through the Stikine River canyon to the tiny village which is surrounded by the Tahlten First Nation. We were warmly received by everyone we met there and Nancy was no exception. We encountered her twice, fishing on the the river with her husband. The board in the image that holds the freshly caught fish has her name clearly marked on it, a sign to all the locals that this is her traditional fishing spot. Nancy had many stories to share about the people and wildlife in the area. When I asked her if I could take her picture, she quickly grabbed the sticks in her hand, which she uses when she dances for her people. Nancy is proud of her Tahlten heritage and eager to share it with others.
Joan: Freedom for her people.
I met Joan Jack in a tiny, roadside grill at Muncho Lake in northern BC. She was enroute to Niagara Falls from Atlin, BC on her motorcycle to attend the Assembly of First Nations. Joan’s enthusiasm was contagious as she told bits of her personal story. When she came to the realization that spousal abuse did not have to be part of her destiny, it stopped. “I was freed by this oppression as soon as I knew I could say no.”
I began to realize that the tattoo on her arm, ‘Freedom’, had deep significance for her.
Now, as an indigenous feminist lawyer, Joan’s mission is to bring freedom to her people. The Indian Act, written generations ago, “contributes to the oppression of my people”. There is, and needs to be, political and cultural change and her ride to Niagara is a step on the way.
“I love my life!” Joan says. Fulfilling her mission is a big part of why she feels that way.
Poul & Esther: In a battle they don’t want.
Poul and Esther Pederson are ranchers, living on an acreage on the banks of the Peace River, in Fort St. John. Behind them is the construction site of the controversial Site C Dam. The dam will flood the valley and cause the river banks to erode, destabilizing their land, making their home unusable. The dam will also destroy farmland that could provide fruits and vegetables to the Peace River region as well as the Yukon. The government pushes ahead with the biggest mega project in our history even though there is no evidence that we need the power it will generate. For more information about this project watch Disturbing the Peace.
For Photographers:
Each person photographed above was a stranger to me. But what happened before the shot with every one was lots of conversation. I was genuinely interested in their story and enjoyed talking with them. As we spoke, I always had, in the back of my mind, thoughts about how to photograph the person, lighting, location, pose, etc. In the case of Nicole (at the top), we had beautiful light coming in from windows on both sides of her. When she talked with us, she leaned her elbow on the counter and I knew I wanted that. But I waited for the opportunity and when I asked her, she smiled and readily agreed.
Each of the people above readily agreed to having their photos taken because, I suppose, they recognized my genuine interest in their story. I could have tried to grab a shot without their permission but that would have felt like a violation. Instead, I left each encounter with a positive connection, an insight into their life and a collaborative photograph with their permission to share. And I’m thankful to each person.
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Ahhh, Dennis, what wonderful photos and even more wonderful stories!
Thanks for sharing them with me.
Bob
And thanks so much for taking the time to have a look, Bob.
What a fantastic opportunity, Dennis. Sharing of your trip was very enlightening. I love to hear people’s stories as you must.
Thanks, Helmi. Yes, it’s very satisfying to feel like you’ve made a meaningful connection with a new person.
Through conversation such awareness gained and revealed so richly with photos, thankful to you and to those who shared their stories.
Thankful to you, Joy, for reading and commenting.
Thank you Dennis…an inspiration in so many ways.
Thank you, Sue! Maybe we can capture some photos and stories in Ladysmith when we visit.
Dennis, those are wonderful photos and stories. What a good book that would make—stories and photos of B.C.’s beautiful people living, working, making a difference and, sometimes struggling. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kelly! So glad to keep in touch with you this way. Not sure I’m ready to make a book but I really do feel drawn to meet ordinary people who are busy doing important things. Maybe one day!
Dennis, your talent in communicating shines; both through your imagery and your genuine interaction with people. Very inspirational. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Chris! Thank you so much.
Dennis, thank you for sharing with your friends.
Pictures with people are always more compelling than scenic views alone (and there must have been many of those too). You really prioritized your subject -so successfully!
I agree with Kelly that you should (eventually) create a book of our shared humanity!
Great job!!!
Hi Martina, Thanks so much for your comment. It seemed, on this trip, that I didn’t even look for these people, they just appeared in my path and the conversations happened so naturally. If this trend continues, and I hope it does, I’ll definitely think about your and Pat’s idea. Thanks again.
Dennis,
Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures and comments. Really appreciate being on your web list. Your work is always reflective of your belief in others and how you have lived your life in work and in play. Thanks my friend.
Thank you, my friend, for reading and responding.It is sincerely appreciated.
Dennis,
There is, indeed, a book in here. I don’t think it is a book that should be written so much as it is a book that must be written. The personal connection you made with your subjects speaks volumes about the needs of the people who have been marginalized for a myriad of reasons – economics, isolation, past wrongs, geography, whatever. The bottom line is that the people you met have stories, important stories to tell and share. And you are the person to tell them through your art and your passion. Imagine all the other stories that are yet untold. Go for it!
Thanks for the encouragement, Matt! OK! Going for it!
Dennis, Ditto to the comments above regarding the need for a book. These amazing people who seem to gravitate toward you all have an important story to share with the world. And they have found one more avenue to do that… and that is you though your own story telling and beautiful photography. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you, Janet, for adding your voice of encouragement. One thing for sure, I”ll continue to find people with a story to share and see where it goes!
Hi Dennis,
Great job capturing the heart and soul of your travels. Loved this blog post and I mean that from a human perspective, not a photographer’s perspective. This is what the world needs more of, well done.
Annette
HI Annette, Your comment is sincerely appreciated.