Native Photographer // Canada

When I first started out in my photography journey all we had were film cameras. I remember my mom saving up any extra money and purchasing a minolta camera. It was my dream and goal to be allowed the privilege to learn and maybe even take a few photos on it.

My family is originally from the South Pacific. Growing up we traveled the world sharing our culture through song, dance, food and faith. One of the best parts about this was when it was a mutual exchange with the different people and nations we were invited to.

Fast forward a couple decades and Iʻm still living that childhood dream of sharing what means the most to me and now I have a camera of my own that Iʻve had the honor of using to photograph people in the way they desire to be captured - reflecting their divine design and allowing me to portray what I see.

These photos are from a visit to Brokenhead Ojibway nation on Turtle Island (Canada/North America). We were so honored to be welcomed onto their land, the chief gave us a tour on their very own chartered bus, we chased down some buffalo, ate some amazing food and of course we sang and danced. During the welcoming ceremony, as I chanted in the language of my people, tears started to well up in my eyes as we walked into their meeting house, to the beat of their drums, bells and sounds - elders, children and everyone in between. Dressed in their regalia - honor and pride, welcoming us foreigners into their sacred space. A nation and people that is still here, against all odds.

The point of the visit wasnʻt the photos but Gabrielle was so gracious to let me take a few photos of her after we had all danced, sang and ate....next time weʻll definitely take more ;-).

Native Australian, Māori, Ojibway Nation, Tongan