Elder's Project
we are blessed to work and play on the traditional lands of the Lheidli T'enneh
Why Document?
Elders are everything when it comes to community health.
In my time working within the MH field, I saw so many examples of the importance of Elder's in community wellness. Specifically, I saw the connection of generations bring strength to the ROOTS of the community. Why do I say roots? I noticed when I was in Tsay Keh Dene, that the community is connected like roots of a tree. I noticed similar MH & physical systems present themselves throughout the community, simultaneously. I was curious why...
I leaned in and learned more about culture & met with an Elder daily to learn about the connectivity piece. Not only did I find myself more able to connect to my Anishinaabe heritage, but I was able to connect to the land & be apart of what Elder's would offer me. I realized quickly, the importance and undeniable value of their stories. Immediately, I took every opportunity to go on the land with the TKD people. Whoever would take me, I would go. After work, daily I would hike, explore, dive, listen to stories, have fire & connect. I grew as a human, not just emotionally, but spiritually. Soon I had a Tsay Keh mom & a spiritual mother. I learned medicine making before this and yearned to connect & learn from the Elders. Just as quickly as I realized the value of learning on the land & storytelling; I learned the Elder's desire to connect with the youth and the community. I saw both the sadness and the joy Elder's carried when they thought about the youth & community's wellbeing. From that moment, I wanted to work with communities to capture and share the FACES of our Elder & their STORIES.
Roots & Connectivity
What I have learned about culture, residential schools & connection
What's the vision?
to document, is to freeze time.
Something I am so passionate about is the ability for photography and videography to grasp a moment in time. Imagine the impact of photo and video story telling. When I worked within Lheidli Band, it was so common for people to express concern for the loss of their Elder's stories and their culture.
While in Tsay Keh, I thought of a larger-scale project. The idea of video storytelling, paired with portraiture of Elders. I am a very visual human and i would look at Elder's expressions as they told stories. I felt this was such an important piece to reading and understanding their ancestry, their life, their meanings.
What happens when they go to Creator? When not everyone in the community had the same opportunities to connect? In a province where disconnection was the ugly goal for FN people, through residential schools, many parts are left behind. I believe storytelling in this way, allows the community to hold a part of their ancestors, their family...forever. IMAGINE learning a story from your Elder and being able to watch it after they are gone. Imagine sharing with our children slow form video of their laughter, their expressions. Imagine putting on video of your Elder's teaching cultural tools. This is medicine. As I learned about the ROOTS, I thought about my husband and my ability to connect the roots through video and photo imagery.
What is the process?
Step 1
Connect with us. My husband and I operate the commercial sector of our business together & we make a great team! If you enjoyed the presentation or are interested in capturing events, community &/or doing an Elder's project, reach out!
We will review your vision for your photography and videography needs and give your band more information.
Step 2
We work together to setup quotes, based on your needs. We sign contracts and book your dates. We work together in the process to make the most of your planning.
We present ideas and make sure we have a clear view of your and your band's needs.
Step 3
We capture, edit & send your projects by downloadable link. This link can be shared, as needed. We help with the printing process for images & storytelling pieces.
Under some cases, bands may choose to keep FWP commercial under retainer for future projects.
