Lee Rubin-Jakober

What Makes Lee Rubin-Jakober More Than a Photographer

@LeeMRubin

www.leemrubin.com

Lee Rubin-Jakober was introduced to the art of photography at a very young age. Growing up with her family in central Massachusetts, it was her grandfather who gifted her with her very first Nikon film camera at the age of 12. 

“Photography has led me to some unbelievable places around the world. It has created pathways of communication and, especially through Photographers Without Borders, has opened up doors to connect to communities and people I might not have met otherwise.”

Lee Rubin-Jakober for Winners Group Initiative

In September 2018, Rubin-Jakober travelled to Kiambu County, Kenya, with PWB to document the non-profit organization Winners Group Initiative (WGI). Here, she documented a community of women learning agriculture skills and entrepreneurship.

“A holistic approach helps the community members find purpose and meaning in life through humanitarian values. Also, there is a learning and self-actualization in individuals which combines their physical, social and economical growth,”

—Esther Njoki, local community development worker

The foundation of all projects at WGI is education, believing that empowering youth through education will lead to a more sustainable community. The staff have been working on a new library project, with the goal of inspiring an interest in learning that surpasses the regular school curriculum.

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Images by Lee Rubin-Jakober for Winners Group Initiative

When WGI started five years ago, they set-up a micro-loan system for single mothers in the community. The loans empower women to set up their own businesses. Rose Wanjiku, a single mother of six, provides for her family by selling her cow’s milk to neighbours.

“I have a cow that I get milk from which is my only source of income. If I could be educated on the right breed and have support, then I could increase the milk production, which would increase my source of income,”

—Rose Wanjiku

Working with experts to provide training, WGI is hopeful that they can continue to improve the local farming production and boost the local economy while still preserving their land.

Lee’s project with Winners Group Initiative was featured in PWB Print Magazine Issue #12.

Lee Rubin-Jakober for Winners Group Initiative

Rubin-Jakober currently lives in Vienna, Austria, and last year was on assignment with Alpine Peace Crossing (APC), a local organization that provides support to refugees. The organization leads supporters on the peace walk, an 18.4 km trek through the Alps, that follows the escape route taken by the first group of a few thousand Jewish settlers in 1947.

Lee Rubin-Jakober for Alpine Peace Crossing

APC is an Austrian association -based in Krimml (Salzburg) and Vienna -focused on social and refugee aid, the Peace Migration, and the Krimml Peace Dialogue. 

Participants and staff are reminded of their privilege as they ascend up the mountainside, knowing that at the end of their climb, they will celebrate with their team and return safely to the familiar comfort of their own homes. Refugees do not have the luxury of ease, comfort, or the notion of safety. They are not even guaranteed that when they reach their end destination they will be safe. They travel out of necessity – not free will.

Lee Rubin-Jakober for Alpine Peace Crossing

Thank you Lee for continuing to tell stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

“I am more than a photographer. I am a storyteller, a person who bears witness to the world as it presents itself to me. I am someone who seeks truth and light.”

—Lee Rubin-Jakober

Want to become more than a photographer?

Jeff Mikkelson

What Makes Jeff Mikkelson More Than a Photographer

@JeffMikkelson

www.jeffmikkelson.com

Jeff is a photographer and storyteller, whose work mainly focuses on advertising and editorial.

“Jeff’s passion for beauty, body and fashion photography comes from a deep appreciation for the human form, and the many veils it wears. His goal as an artist is to know that beauty and truth are lovers, but not the same and often quarreling.”

Jeff Mikkelson for KARUDECA

Jeff went on assignment with PWB in 2018 to Tanzania, where he met Steve Revelian (pictured above). Steve is the founder of KARUDECA, (Karagwe Rural Development and Environmental Conservation Agency) that works with marginalized communities to aid local farmers, offer educational opportunities to children, encourage sustainability-focused projects, and foster income for families.

“There is no good market scheme for the farmers’ produce. The farmers are not well connected to the local and international markets. This situation affects the economy of the majority,”

—Steve Revelian

As a school teacher born and raised in Karagwe, it pained Steve to see how many students were not able to attend school because their parents could not afford the fees.

In order to help people in his community develop a sustainable income, Steve founded the Karagwe Rural Development and Environmental Conservation Agency (KARUDECA) in 2006. The NGO works with subsistence-level farmers by connecting them with buyers within the country, and beyond, who can help move their produce to market.

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In the remote farming village of Chanika, KARUDECA has piloted a poultry project, where students from the local primary school receive two hens, one rooster, and funds to construct a henhouse as well as training in how to take care of them.

“Financial education and the poultry project work together. The children are keeping the chickens, with the help of their parents. In doing so, they learn production, entrepreneurship, and saving skills,”

—Steve Revelian

Eggs are relatively expensive in Karagwe, so selling just 10 will pay for a student’s textbooks for an entire year.

Jeff Mikkelson for KARUDECA

KARUDECA hopes to expand these projects further, beyond the borders of Karagwe, connecting with students, teachers and communities to facilitate access to financial education and promote economic independence throughout Tanzania.

Jeff’s project with KARUDECA was also featured in our print PWB Magazine, Issue #12.

Jeff Mikkelson for KARUDECA

Thank you Jeff for continuing to tell stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Charlotte Hodges

What Makes Charlotte Hodges More Than a Photographer

@ChachaMHodges

www.chachamhodges.com

“I am a storyteller; my art form depends on the story that needs to be told and my medium is determined by that which lends it optimum expression.”

Charlotte Hodges is a photographer, writer, artist and storyteller. Charlotte’s work includes themes of interconnectivity, solidarity, and responsibility for the environment are common in her work.

Charlotte Hodges for Epic Arts

In 2017, Charlotte went on assignment with PWB to document the work of Epic Arts, an organization in Cambodia that works with youth living with disabilities to offer learning, empowerment and employment through the arts. Epic Arts runs an arts program that involves dance, theatre and music, and also runs a cafe where students are employed through the centre.

“The inclusive arts program is a two-year course intended to prepare students with disabilities for a career in the arts, but its intent goes much deeper.”

“It’s a transformative course because these young people, usually between the age of 19 and 24, if they have a disability, they’ve usually been ostracized from their community. Often they come to us quite shy, they don’t believe in themselves. It’s really a two year course that focuses on the arts, but it’s much more about them learning about themselves and working out that they can do things. They can dance, they can sing, they can write a song,”

—Hayley Holden, Project Manager at Epic Arts

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Charlotte Hodges for Epic Arts

“My biggest hope would be that I really portrayed everyone in the way that they would want to be portrayed,” said Hodges. “A lot of my editing process while I was there was showing the photos to my subjects and making sure what I was getting was the way that they wanted to see themselves as well.”

—Charlotte Hodges

Charlotte’s assignment for Epic Arts was featured in our print PWB Magazine Issue #10. You can find the article on our PWB Online Magazine as well.

Charlotte Hodges for Humanity Crew

In 2018, Charlotte went on her second assignment with PWB to Athens, Greece to spend some time with the team at Humanity Crew. Humanity crew is an organization that provides mental health services to refugees and people in crises all over the world; they have assisted 600,000 individuals from 10 different countries. 

The team at Humanity Crew is working towards creating a world where mental health support is incorporated into all emergency protocols for victims of humanitarian crises. Humanity Crew provides community-based activities, group sessions, and individual sessions that are designed with the refugees’ cultural background in mind, and presented in their mother tongue.

During COVID-19, Humanity Crew has started to provide live sessions on their Facebook page. Their team of psychologists facilitate discussions to answer questions people may have surrounding the pandemic and its impact on their mental health.

Charlotte’s project with Humanity Crew was also featured in our print PWB Magazine, Issue #14.

Thank you Charlotte for continuing to tell stories that promote resilience and amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Sarah Tesla

What Makes Sarah Tesla More Than a Photographer

@SarahTesla

www.sarahtesla.com

Sarah Tesla is a documentary photographer who’s work mainly centers on reportage, with a mission to explore misrepresented issues, places and people.

Sarah’s work has brought her to over 63 countries, working with non-profit’s, NGO’s, media, and brands. Sarah has produced photo and written content with Indigenous communities, mental health and post-conflict Middle East.

Sarah Tesla for We Yone Child Foundation

In 2017, Sarah went on assignment with PWB to Sierra Leone, to work with We Yone Child Foundation (WYCF), an organization that helps to empower children and their families living in marginalized areas, to provide financial means to ensure access to education. The phrase “We Yone” means ‘Our Own Children” in the Creole-based language of Sierra Leone.

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Sarah Tesla for We Yone Child Foundation

WYCF focuses their work in the communities of George Brook and Kroo Bay. Both of which are located in Freetown and experience high rates of poverty. In George Brook, WYCF has two primary schools with more than 700 students combined. In Kroo Bay, nearly 300 pupils attend the organization's primary school. The lessons offered to the children are not limited to the national curriculum. WYCF also provides extra-curricular activities, and support programs for the kids and their families. Family business grants, group therapy sessions, football games and talent shows are some examples of these extra programs.

"This is a country with such a tumultuous history that includes an 11-year civil war that ended in 2002, a devastating Ebola outbreak which ended in 2015, and countless other political and developmental challenges.”

—Sarah Tesla

Sarah Tesla’s project from WYCF was featured in our PWB Print Magazine: Issue #10 Spring 2018.

Sarah Tesla for We Yone Child Foundation

Thank you Sarah for continuing to tell important stories that actively work against stereotypes and amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Anne Gattila

What Makes Anne Gattila More Than a Photographer

@AGattPhoto
www.annegattilia.com

Anne Gattila is a wedding, event and documentary photographer based in Connecticut. Anne is an exceptional ambassador for PWB and in 2016, was given the ‘PWB Spirit Award’ as one of our top photographers of 2016.

“Photography has always been an important part of my life, and I have been fortunate enough to fund my life with my passion.”

Anne Gattila on assignment for Sambhali Trust

In 2016, Anne went on assignment with PWB to India to document the work of Sambhali Trust, an NGO that empowers Rajasthani women & children through education and vocational training.

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Anne Gattila on assignment for Sambhali Trust

Sambhali runs a number of education and tutoring programs in English and Hindi, promoting literacy, math, and sewing skills. Women and girls attend educational workshops learning about Indian politics, geography, and women’s rights. Sambhali also facilitates scholarships and a micro-loan program for women in the community.

“As part of the Sambhali Sheerni Self-Help Group Project, these women took out loans to be able to afford means to start a business and support themselves and their family. It has also created a strong community of support and respect.”

—Anne Gattila

At Sambhali, women of all socio-economic and religious backgrounds are able to come together to promote self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression, all while gaining an education and access to economic independence.

Anne Gattila on assignment for Sambhali Trust

Anne’s project from Sambhali Trust was featured in our PWB Print Magazine: Issue #9, Fall 2017, and also premiered as a short PWB doc, Sambhali Trust: Daughters of the Blue City.

Anne Gattila on assignment for Sambhali Trust

Thank you Anne for your generous spirit and for continuing to tell important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Zoe Wittering

What Makes Zoe Wittering More Than a Photographer

@ZoeWittering
www.zoewittering.com

Zoe Wittering is a photographer and filmographer based in the South of France. Her passion is to record moments of life from the exceptional and rare to the every day and ordinary.

”I love to capture that moment that shouldn't be forgotten and to create a long lasting reminder of a beautiful memory. The memory of a place, a person, a moment, a feeling.”

Zoe Wittering on assignment for Zaporuka

In 2019 Zoe went on assignment with PWB to Ukraine to document the work of an NGO supporting children with cancer and neurological diseases, and their families.

“The Ukrainian constitution states that health care is free. But the reality is that, after 71 years of soviet rule, the economic and political instability since independence and the on-going war in the east, many medicines, services, treatments and equipment are not available in the state system. Families therefore have to raise the funds themselves to buy medicines which often cost much more per day than the average wage.”

—Zoe Wittering

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Zoe Wittering on assignment for Zaporuka

In Ukraine, 90 percent of children with cancer and neurological diseases come to Kyiv for diagnosis. Many stay several months for treatment, often hundreds of kilometres away from their homes. Having spent time with the families at the hospitals, Zaporuka founder Natalia Onipko realized that the lengthy hospital stays were extremely hard for the children and their parents, both physically and emotionally, too often resulting in broken families.

So, Zaporuka set up the Dacha Centre, a home for families who have to spend time in Kyiv while their child receives treatment. Today, the centre is at the heart of Zaporuka’s work. More than just a place to sleep, the centre provides families with support, and space for children to play.

Zoe Wittering on assignment for Zaporuka

Zoe’s project in Kyiv with Zaporuka was documented in the Photographers Without Borders Print Magazine Issue #13, as well as the online magazine.

Thank you Zoe for photographing life’s tender moments and for continuing to tell important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Andrea Musso and Rabia Khan

What Makes Andrea Musso & Rabia Khan More Than a Photographer

@endryuks

www.endryuks.com

Andrea Musso and Rabia Khan are two travel and philanthropic photographers. They have been passionately telling stories of diversity of race, colour, faith, gender, orientation through photography.

Andrea Musso on assignment with Mil Milagros

Both Andrea and Rabia participated on assignment for Mil Milagros in Guatemala. Mil Milagros equips mothers and teachers with skills and resources to improve the lives of children and families in rural Guatemala.

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Rabia Khan on assignment with Mil Milagros

Rabia and Andrea’s time in Guatemala with Mil Milagros was documented in the Photographers Without Borders Magazine Issue #13 Fall 2019. As well as the online magazine: Mil Milagros teaches how the power of one voice can impact thousands of lives.

Andrea Musso on assignment in Guatemala

Khan and Musso instantly felt the warmth of both the community and the Mil Milagros staff. Khan saw a noticeable impact within the communities and schools Mil Milagros was involved with. What stood out most for Khan were the stories of the children that she had met, and the impact of Mil Milagros has had on their lives. 

“The generosity of this child never left my mind, as well as the hard workers at Mil Milagros. Carolyn, the team and I were on our way to this school, years later, because one boy had the courage to speak up.”

— Rabia Khan

Thank you Andrea and Rabia for continuing to advocate for human rights and telling important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Cari Payer

What Makes Cari Payer More Than a Photographer

@caripayer
caripayerphotography.com

Cari Payer is an Editorial Travel Photographer and Creative Educator currently based in Tokyo, Japan. Originally from rural Alaska, Cari grew up seeing the outside world through the lenses of Nat Geo photographers, inspiring her to see what the world had to offer beyond her small community. This passion started her on a journey around the globe, photographing people, landscapes, and cultural landmarks in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Cari first got involved with Photographers Without Borders by attending PWB School Mongolia, 2017. In Mongolia, Cari was documenting the NGO Ger to Ger. An organization

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Cari Payer on PWB School Mongolia with Ger to Ger

After PWB School Mongolia, Cari spent time in Nepal 2018, capturing small vignettes of life. Normal moments that we walk past everyday and fail to acknowledge.

Cari Payer in Nepal.

Cari has been grateful for the opportunity to have worked for and exhibited in multiple international locations. She has passionately worked with local populations in various countries, including Indonesia, Japan, and Mongolia. Leading non-invasive photography tours where many are able to immerse in the culture while also benefiting the local communities in need. When at home, she teaches creative photography workshops in Tokyo to continue inspiring those around her to develop as artists.

“With this personal project, I really wanted to create something that would help me capture and remember how life felt in these moments while sharing that time with my daughter and working together to create a statement about our life. Because I believe that in our storytelling, we are creating someone else’s future story. ”

— Cari Payer

Cari Payer’s photo series COVID-19 Spring Collection 2020

In an upcoming Storytelling for Change (web series), Cari Payer will be co-hosting with PWB’s Danielle Da Silva. Discussing the transition from creator to educator. This session will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7:00 PM EST. Join us as we continue these interactive discussions by registering below:

Thank you Cari for continuing to advocate for human rights and telling important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Lolla Wallace

What Makes Lola wallace More Than a Photographer

@lolawphoto
www.lolawallacephoto.com

Lola Wallace is a visual storyteller and travel photographer. Lola has worked with some incredible NGOs that has highlighted the community’s support of young women and children in different regions. Lola first got involved with PWB by attending PWB School in India in 2018.

Lola worked alongside Sambhali Trust to highlight their organization and the work they do. Sambhali Trust, meaning “the rising of the deprived” is a non-profit organization created in 2007, which empowers women and girls in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. At Sambhali, women of all socio-economic and religious backgrounds are able to come together to promote self-esteem, confidence, and self-expression, all while gaining an education and access to economic independence.

Lola was featured in the PWB Magazine Issue #13 Fall 2019 and online magazine article : Rajasthani Women of all Castes and Religions Celebrate their Creativity, Intelligence and Independence.

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Lola Wallace on PWB School India with Sambhali Trust

After PWB School India, Lola went on assignment in 2019 with the Avasar Foundation. This NGO is an organization works to support the education of young women and girls facing financial hardships in five Indian cities. These girls are provided a scholarship to cover their educational expenses including a daily meal. Lola’s work was highlighted in the PWB's Online Magazine featured below.

Lola Wallace on assignment with AVASAR Foundation in India

Photographs by Lola Wallace

Thank you Lola for continuing to advocate for human rights and telling important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Matt Stirn

What Makes Matt Stirn More Than a Photographer

@mattstirn
www.mattstirnphoto.com

Matt Stirn is an archaeologist and travel photographer based between Jackson Hole and Boston. As a field scientist and photographer, most of his work focuses on travel, nature, and cultural and environmental conservation. Highlighting peoples' ancient and modern relationships with different environments. Matt first got involved with PWB by going on assignment in 2016 with Pro Eco Azuero in Panama.

Matt was one of the featured photographers in a PWB online magazine article More Than Photographers : PWB Celebrates our Top Photographers of 2016/17:

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Matt Stirn on PWB School Indonesia with Orangutan Information Centre

After PWB School Indonesia, Matt spent time in 2017 with the Orangutan Information Centre. This NGO is an organization founded by Panut Hadisiswoyo that works to conserve the habitat of the Sumatran wildlife from the destruction of palm oil plantations. Matt’s work was highlighted in the print copy of PWB Magazine and also featured in on PWB's Online Magazine.

Matt Stirn in Wind River Range, Wyoming.

Matt discusses his experience as an archeologist and photographer as he travels the world. As described in the PWB online article: Why Archeologist and PWB Photographer Matt Stirn has Always Felt at Home in the Mountains. Matt explores mountainous areas in his own backyard in the United States of America and as far as Morocco and Greece.

“While working on archaeological projects, both in the Rockies and abroad, I always carried a camera. It started off for science (as all good things do) as I found that photography offered a great platform to share discoveries and everyday life of academics in the field. Over time though, it became something more. I discovered that during my research and the travels to and from digs around the world, images could offer a more resonating message than the bars and charts of scientific data. It provided a platform not only to educate, inform, and share the sense of adventure, but also to make people care.”

— Matt Stirn

Matt Stirn on assignment for Orangutan Information Centre in Indonesia

Thank you Matt for continuing to advocate for human rights and telling important stories that amplify voices of grassroots communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Robby Dick

What Makes Robby Dick

More Than a Photographer

@kaska_photography91

Robby is an emerging photographer from Ross River. His work features people, northern life, and the environment in the Yukon. Robby Dick is a member of the Kaska Dene First Nation and he grew up in Tu Łidlini (where the waters flow) all his life. He has been working closely with the Elders of his community for the last five years. He is passionate about revitalizing his language and sharing aspects of his Indigenous culture through visual storytelling.

Robby's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

“I am a member of the Kaska Dena nation, I grew up in a small community of Tu Łidlini (where the waters meet) better known as Ross River YT. I worked closely with the elders for the last 4 years and helped with our very first guardian program within our traditional territory with the youth.”

By Robby Dick as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“I do a lot of my photography from the land, I try to capture the relationships we as indigenous people still have, what I mean is, with the land and our surroundings. From harvesting to camping, to our Dene practices, we try and walk gently on the land.”

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Thank you Robby for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Mary Helmer

What Makes Mary Helmer

More Than a Photographer

@mary.helmer3

Mary Helmer is our needed reminder to love and treat our earth with care and consideration. Capturing captivating views of wildlife and nature, she shows the future of Indigenous communities through the eyes of her grandchildren.

Mary's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

“In this photo, my grandson Isaiah is dressed in his Haida Regalia. He’s very proud of his Haida culture. The button blanket he is wearing has one of our main Crests - the frog on it, the paddle, and eagle on his headpiece - are from some of our Clan crests.”

By Mary Helmer as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

Regalia in Indigenous cultures refers to the traditional and often sacred clothing and accessories worn or carried during various ceremonies.

The design, type and meaning of regalia varies depending on the individual who wears it, the culture from which it originates and the event where it is worn.

Learn more about different types of Regalia here.

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“It felt like the ancestors were present when I was taking this photo - the past and the present met, giving the photo the emotion it needed.”

Thank you Mary for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Shawna Farinango

What Makes Farinango

More Than a Photographer

@jasmina_shawnaf

Shawna uses her skills in multimedia design and using new technology to bring recognition to the traditions of the Kichwa community and the struggles of young indigenous women.

Shawna's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

“When asking what was Inti Raymi, the general response that I would get as a child would be that Inti Raymi is the celebration of the sun and it’s celebrated in Ecuador and Peru. My parents depicted Inti Raymi in two different ways one was to show gratitude to mother earth or time or resistance. They talked about it as a time of the year where indigenous men of different communities, would gather to show their power in multitudes, dancing, and singing in the central plazas or at the churches.”

By Shawna Farinango as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“Through Inti Raymi I was able to feel more connected to the land and spiritually, but many of the experiences I had made me realize that machismo is very much alive, and how difficult it is to be an outsider in my own community. Many of the experiences that I lived through made me realize the struggles that women have to go through with very little representation and acceptance at this time of year. Despite the machismo surrounding this celebration, many women that I met showed me that although change is slow, it is happening and made me feel welcome in their communities. This made me feel that it’s okay to be an outsider because to all these men, that’s what women were in this space.”

Thank you Shawna for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Ian Maracle

What Makes Ian Maracle

More Than a Photographer

@dyedian

Social justice advocate, portrait photographer and copywriter Ian Maracle strives to highlight the voices of the Indigenous community. Ian identifies his photography as artistry, to inspire and evoke emotion and understanding.

Ian's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

“I feel that my worth as an artist doesn't come from my background, but it does come from my blood. I want native youth to stand up to tokenism and blossom as artists in their own right and to understand that their lived experience is what makes their work Indigenous.”

By Ian Maracle as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“Like many other Indigenous folks across Canada, I find my story influenced heavily by the experiences and struggles of my family and ancestors. What I strive for now is to set my work apart by showing the world that not only am I an Indigenous artist, I'm also just an artist. To show my people and to inspire indigenous youth to strive for more in every aspect of their life.”

Thank you Ian for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Mia Ritter-Whittle

What Makes Mia Ritter-Whittle

More Than a Photographer

@natanehriver

With their work, Mia Ritter-Whittle seeks to make space for Indigenous people to exist in complexity: “I think when we expose, appreciate and think about complexity beyond the binary, we are more able to return to tradition in a more honest way, and we illuminate a more clear path to existing in a good way with the earth again.”

Mia's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

“These images are screenshots of Indigenous queer femme life. They display the emotion each person chooses, or chooses not to, let us, the viewer, the community, the stranger, the lover, see. They portray pride, boundaries, pleasure, wonder, trauma, shame, rejection, beauty, power, curiosity, pain, connection, quietness, and the act of falling in love. They are a consensual act of seeing, being, and collaborating.”

By Nabidu Taylor as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“I think two-spirit visibility is really important. As two-spirit people, we are always thought of as an afterthought, if thought of (positively) at all. We need more consensual and loving images of queer and femme Indigenous people. We need more images that allow us to feel our human-being-ness. I think the world is privileged to view these images. The reactions in these peoples' mirrors are holy. They are sacred. And I think the world and our communities need this medicine.”

Thank you Mia for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Nabidu Taylor

What Makes Nabidu Taylor More Than a Photographer

@thatnavidukid

Nabidu Taylor is an emerging artist with an exceptional passion and commitment to protecting marine and wildlife. As a Land and Water Protector, they have an eye for capturing the natural world.

Nabidu's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

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“This project is showing the process of how we make grease in Kingcome inlet. Each image has its own story to tell of how to respect the land and fish and showing how fishing can bring a community together.”

By Nabidu Taylor as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“It is telling of the hard work that goes into gathering and harvesting and It is a reminder of the strong Matriarchs that make sure everything is okay.”

Thank you Nabidu for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Sara Aliaga

What Makes Sara Aliaga More Than a Photographer

@sarawayphoto

Sara Aliaga is a photojournalist from La Paz, Bolivia who works in memory and identity, specifically in the social space of women in Bolivia. Sara searches to reaffirm her own identity through the natural memory and the femininity of Indigenous people that is the same reflection of mother earth.

Sara's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

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By Sara Aliaga as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“Cholita tenías que ser” es un proyecto que nace a partir de tratar de entender mis roles como mujer.

“Cholita tenías que ser” is a project that was born from trying to understand my roles as a woman.

By Sara Aliaga as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

Pese a que yo no tengo su vestimenta típica había algo en la actitud de la chola que me representaba en mi identidad, su fuerza, su resistencia a renunciar a su personalidad, su forma de reír, sus ganas de ser libre.

Despite that I don't have your typical dress, there was something in the attitude of the Chola that represented me in my identity, her strength, her resistance to giving up her personality, her way of laughing, her desire to be free.

By Sara Aliaga as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

Thank you Sara for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Edgar Kanayko Xakriabá

What Makes Edgar Kanayko More Than a Photographer

@edgarkanayko

Edgar Kanayko Xakriabá, is a photographer and storyteller who belongs to the Indigenous peoples of Xakriabá State of Minas Gerais.

Edgar's work is featured in PWB's Virtual Gallery 'Original 'Perspectives' for the 2020 CONTACT Photography Festival.

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By Edgar Kanayko Xakriabá as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“Ethnophotography: "a means of recording the aspect of culture - the life of a people."

I use ethnophotography to record the part of the life of the Xakriabá people to which I belong. As well as the possibility of registering other Indigenous peoples of Brazil, since their experiences in the villages: rituals, festivals, songs, dances, especially the Indigenous movement, which are spaces in which Indigenous peoples struggle against the setbacks that we are experiencing while pervading policies, extermination of the Brazilian Government.”

By Edgar Kanayko Xakriabá as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

“At first seen as a threat, the use of Audiovisual is now a weapon of struggle and resistance, an important ally of indigenous peoples. I propose with this exhibition, an approach between the outside world and the inside, with a properly Indigenous look.”

By Edgar Kanayko Xakriabá as featured in the Original Perspectives Exhibit

Thank you Edgar for continuing to express the need to respect past traditions and struggles, and a desire to inspire future generations of Indigenous artists to showcase their own unique perspectives

Want to become more than a photographer?

Alex King

What Makes Alex king More Than a Photographer

@alexkingphotography
alexkingphotographer.com

Alex King, a humanitarian and photojournalist with a passion for capturing Pacific and indigenous cultures, the environment, climate change, animal welfare and women’s and children’s rights against domestic abuse and judicial abuse. Her goals for the future are to be able to use photography to document real and raw stories around the world that are captivating, eye opening and change peoples perspectives.

This year, for the CONTACT Photography festival; Alex's project focused on highlighting Michael Tavioni in the Original Perspectives Exhibit. As part of our commitment to upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), PWB is supporting Indigenous photographers in an exhibition of their work, entitled “Original Perspectives.” This exhibit will be showcased digitally for the month of May, as part of CONTACT, North America’s largest photography festival. 

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Alex King photographing Michael Tavioni for Contact Photography Festival

Alex has placed a great deal of importance of capturing Michael in his element building vaka (boats), traditional artifacts, passing on his knowledge, teaching school children his art, the struggles he goes through daily, and the appreciation she has built in her heart for him being a traditional leader of the Cook Islands, and for the people. She has witnessed a change in the island communities with the constant introduction of foreigners and their way of life, this project is to remind all people around the world how the traditional ways of art and life in the pacific islands must be preserved.

Alex King photographing for the Original Perspectives Exhibit

Alex's purpose with this project is to open the door and alter the perspectives of the pacific islands, way of life and those who undervalue Ariki/Arongo Mana(traditional chiefs) traditional artists, landowners, and cultural leaders who, for decades have been trying to preserve the lands and the "mana" (power).

Michael Tavioni photographed by Alex King

Alex is committed to ethical storytelling and creating a space for people to come and share perspectives. Join us Tuesday May 5th for a Storytelling for Change discussion: Anything that is Raw and Real.

Thank you Alex, and our other member storytellers that are amplifying voices of grassroots communities all around the world.

Want to become more than a photographer?

Original Perspectives

Introducing Contact 2020:

As part of our commitment to upholding the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), PWB is supporting Indigenous photographers in an exhibition of their work, entitled “Original Perspectives.” This exhibit will be showcased in May 2020 as part of CONTACT, North America’s largest photography festival. 

We are proud to share the works of nine photographers from around the world, and the story behind their images. 

Alex King

Cook Islands

@alexkingphotography
Alexkingphotographer.com

What makes Alex King More than a Photographer?

Alex King, a humanitarian and photojournalist with a passion for capturing Pacific and indigenous cultures, the environment, climate change, animal welfare and women’s and children’s rights against domestic abuse and judicial abuse.

“The Cook Islands project is about a legendary, master carver, writer and traditional artist who is well known throughout the Pacific, Michael Tavioni.”

“For months I have placed much importance of capturing Michael in his element building vaka (boats), traditional artifacts, passing on his knowledge, teaching school children his art, the struggles he goes through daily, and the appreciation I have built in my own heart for him being a traditional leader of the Cook Islands, and for our people. As I have witnessed a change in our island communities with the constant introduction of foreigners and their way of life, this project is to remind all people around the world how the traditional ways of art and life in the pacific islands must be preserved.”

“As an artist and the young generation who's passionate about our culture, what Michael Tavioni will leave behind one day, I know is my job to capture everything I can before the prospect of it disappears. This project will open the door and change some perspective to people around the world who have minimal knowledge of our pacific islands, way of life and those who also undervalue Ariki/Arongo Mana(traditional chiefs) traditional artists, landowners, and cultural leaders who have been around for decades trying to preserve our lands and our "mana" (power).”

Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá

Minas Gerais

@edgarkanayko

What makes Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá more than a photographer?

Edgar Kanaykõ Xakriabá, belonging to the indigenous people of Xakriabá State of Minas Gerais in Brasil. He holds a Master's degree in Anthropology from UFMG. With a speciality in practicing in the area of EthnoPhotography: "a means of recording the aspect of culture - the life of a people". 

“I use ethnophotography to record the part of the life of the Xakriabá people to which I belong. As well as the possibility of registering other indigenous peoples of Brazil, since their experiences in the villages: rituals, festivals, songs, dances, especially the indigenous movement, which are spaces in which indigenous peoples struggle against the setbacks that we are experiencing while pervading policies. extermination of the Brazilian Government.”

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“At first seen as a threat, the use of Audiovisual is now a weapon of struggle and resistance, an important ally of indigenous peoples. I propose with this exhibition, an approach between the outside world and the inside, with a properly indigenous look.”

Sara Aliaga

La Paz, Bolivia

@saraphotoaliaga
Sarawayraphoto.weebly.com

What makes Sara Aliaga more than a photographer?

Humanitarian, photojournalist, and social activist. Sara has commited to capturing Latin American perspective. With noteworthy projects including founding the first collective of Bolivian photographers - War-MiPhoto  and organizing of the First Residence in Gender Narrative " Exisitimos ".

“‘Cholita tenías que ser’ is a project that was born from trying to understand my roles as a woman. Throughout my life, I could not fit in with my surroundings. Many said I was like my great grandmother, Sara, who coincidentally has the same name as mine. I wanted to try to understand if I could not fit into society because I seemed like a ‘Chola’, an indigenous woman.  Despite that I don't have your typical dress, there was something in the attitude of the Chola that represented me in my identity, her strength, her resistance to giving up her personality, her way of laughing, her desire to be free.”

Ian Maracle

Six Nations, Turtle Island

@dyedian

What makes Ian Maracle more than a photographer?

Copywriter, social justice and portrait photographer. Ian Maracle strives to highlight the voice of the indigenous community. Identifying his photography as artistry to inspire and evoke emotion and understanding.

“Like many other indigenous folks across Canada, I find my story influenced heavily by the experiences and struggles of my family and ancestors. What I strive for now is to set my work apart by showing the world that not only am I an indigenous artist, I'm also just an artist. To show my people and to inspire indigenous youth to strive for more in every aspect of their life.”

“I feel that my worth as an artist doesn't come from my background, but it does come from my blood. I want native youth to stand up to tokenism and blossom as artists in their own right and to understand that their lived experience is what makes their work Indigenous.”

Mary Helmer

Skidegate, Turtle Island

@mary.helmer3

What makes Mary Helmer more than a photographer?

Mary Helmer is our constant reminder to love and treat our earth with care and consideration. Capturing captivating views of our wildlife and and nature.

“My images are of my Grandchildren in their regalia. I chase sunrise and sunsets and everything in between that I can capture. My favourite though is nature and landscape photos working with natural light. Beauty surrounds us. Take the time to look. It is incredible.”

Nabidu Taylor

Kingcome Inlet, Turtle Island

@thatnavidukid

What makes Nabidu Taylor more than a photographer?

Nabidu is a young artist with an exceptional passion and commitment to protecting marine and wildlife. A Land and Water Protecter and an eye for capturing the elements.

“This project is showing the process of how we make grease in Kingcome inlet. Each image has its own story to tell of how to respect the land and fish and showing how fishing can bring a community together. It is telling of the hard work that goes into gathering and harvesting and It is a reminder of the strong Matriarchs that make sure everything is okay.”

Mia Ritter-Whittle

Caddo Nation, Oklahoma

@natanehriver
miarw96.wixsite.com/mianataneh

What makes Mia Ritter-Whittle more than a photographer?

Mia Nataneh River Ritter-Whittle residing in Muwekma Ohlone territory, an individual of many talents. Mia currently work aims to be rooted in queer Indigenous feminism. They enjoy other work including film, monotype, painting, digital collage, beading, and drawing. 

“These images are screenshots of Indigenous queer femme life. They display the emotion each person chooses, or chooses not to, let us, the viewer, the community, the stranger, the lover, see. They portray pride, boundaries, pleasure, wonder, trauma, shame, rejection, beauty, power, curiosity, pain, connection, quietness, and the act of falling in love. They are a consensual act of seeing, being, and collaborating.”

“I think two-spirit visibility is really important. As two-spirit people, we are always thought of as an afterthought, if thought of (positively) at all. We need more consensual and loving images of queer and femme Indigenous people. We need more images that allow us to feel our human-being-ness. I think the world is privileged to view these images. The reactions in these peoples' mirrors are holy. They are sacred. And I think the world and our communities need this medicine.”

Robby Dick

Tu Łidlini, Turtle Island

@kaska_photography91
https://www.kaskaphotography.com/

What makes Robby dick more than a photographer?

Robby is an emerging photographer from Ross River. His work features people, northern life, and the environment in the Yukon. Robby Dick is a member of the Kaska Dene First Nation and he grew up in Tu Łidlini (where the waters flow) all his life. He has been working closely with the Elders of his community for the last five years. He is passionate about revitalizing his language and sharing aspects of his Indigenous culture through visual storytelling.

“I am a member of the Kaska Dena nation, I grew up in a small community of Tu Łidlini (where the waters meet) better known as Ross River YT. I worked closely with the elders for the last 4 years and helped with our very first guardian program within our traditional territory with the youth.

I do a lot of my photography from the land, I try to capture the relationships we as indigenous people still have, what I mean is, with the land and our surroundings. From harvesting to camping, to our Dene practices, we try and walk gently on the land.”

Shawna Farinango

Ecuador and Turtle Island

@Jasmine.shawnaf

What makes Shawna Farinango more than a photographer?

A humanitarian, illustrator, multimedia designer, and photographer. Using her skills in mylltimedia design and using new technology to bring recognition to the traditions of the Kichwa community and the struggles of young indigenous Kichwa women.

“When asking what was Inti Raymi, the general response that I would get as a child would be that Inti Raymi is the celebration of the sun and it’s celebrated in Ecuador and Peru. My parents depicted Inti Raymi in two different ways one was to show gratitude to mother earth or time or resistance. They talked about it as a time of the year where indigenous men of different communities, would gather to show their power in multitudes, dancing, and singing in the central plazas or at the churches.”

“Through Inti Raymi I was able to feel more connected to the land and spiritually, but many of the experiences I had made me realize that machismo is very much alive, and how difficult it is to be an outsider in my own community. Many of the experiences that I lived through made me realize the struggles that women have to go through with very little representation and acceptance at this time of year. Despite the machismo surrounding this celebration, many women that I met showed me that although change is slow, it is happening and made me feel welcome in their communities. This made me feel that it’s okay to be an outsider because to all these men, that’s what women were in this space.”

“Original Perspectives” will be showcased virtually starting May 1st in Toronto as part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. Stay tuned for the gallery opening.

Thank you to all of our Contact 2020 photographers for continuing to advocate for indigenous human rights and telling important stories that amplify voices of their communities.

Want to become more than a photographer?