I am ...

I am ... Jesse Terry

Jesse Terry is an avid rock climber who lives in Sioux Lookout and is a member of Lac Seul First Nation. Jesse has also travelled to Bolivia and Finland as part a cultural youth exchange program for Aboriginal youth.

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I am ... Norma Kejick 

Norma Kejick is devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is also a strong voice for the prevention of suicide. She organized an annual event to raise awareness about suicide after the death of her nephew, Eric, in 2005. Norma lives in Lac Seul First Nation.

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I am ... Cal Kenny

Cal Kenny is multi-layered talent and devoted father. The multimedia producer is also a photographer and painter who resides in Sioux Lookout and is a member of Lac Seul First Nation.

I am ... Randy Moskotaywenene

Randy Moskotaywenene is a bear of man who oversees the daily operation of WRN in Sioux Lookout. For all his outward physical strength, Randy is deeply devoted to his wife and children. The Michikan Lake member started with Wawatay Radio Network as a casual console operator but quickly earned more and more responsibilities as managers took notice of his hard work and dedication.

In addition, "I am" is now comprised of myself and Brent Wesley – Wawatay Native Communications Society interim media director. Brent and I will be working together and sharing photo credits for all "I am" images.

We decided to work together for a few reasons. Mine was simply to bring someone in who believes in some of the same things I do which is mainly celebrating all that's positive about Indigenous cultures and people through photography. Brent had also been seeking a creative outlet to hone his photography skills.

Randy's portrait was our first collaborative effort.

I am ... Michael Dubé

Michael Dubé is a children's television show producer. I've known Mike for a long time and have always admired his dedication. He developed, produced and directed WWT Kids TV – a half-hour children's show dedicated to preserving Nishnawbe language and culture.

For all his humour, Mike is deeply committed to living life in a meaningful manner and he has a gentle thoughtful approach that is a curious mixture of intense seriousness and sublime wit.

I'm hoping that as this project grows mainstream societies will begin to see not only the richness of Indigenous cultures but also see the commonalities that binds us all.

I am ... Stye Quequish

I've started a new personal project this week, something that's been sitting in my heart for a long time now. I've always wanted to celebrate Nish people and culture through a series of portraits.

Despite our obvious hardships both socially and politically, we're comprised of many beautiful and diverse nations. Within those nations are many vibrant souls - all carrying their own strengths, values and beliefs. People we look up to. People we admire. People we honour. Whether it's your brother, your aunt, your friend or your neighbour, we all look to someone who inspires us to be better human beings.

Over the next couple of years I'll be photographing as many people as I can.

My goal is to get the series into galleries and eventually published into a book. In the meantime, some of the images will be published in Sagatay-Wasaya Airways in-flight magazine published by Wawatay News.

Stye Quequish is a young hip hop artist residing in Sioux Lookout. He's also a powwow dancer. I first met Stye for a magazine shoot. He struck me as someone I wanted to photograph again. He has a strong quiet presence and although only in his early 20s, he knows who he is and what he wants to contribute to life. He impressed me as one of those youth who not only raps a positive message but who also lives his life in the same manner.

He was a pleasure to work with, not only did he get up incredibly early - our first shoot started at 7 am, but he also suggested a late afternoon time to give me some choices.