Winnipeg Street – Jerry, Mary and Blackie/Gordon
Jerry and Mary; I met them the other day and although several of their stories were sad, I left feeling uplifted by the conversation we had. Having grown up during the terrible residential school years – a part of Canadian history that still needs to be fully resolved in this country, they had many stories of turmoil and hardship. Through it all they continued to hold on to aspects of their culture such as speaking Cree to each other. They tried to teach me a few words such as good night. When I asked if they were married, Mary scoffed and said “Married!? We’re second cousins!”.
Blackie (though I have met him before and he said his name was Gordon back then!) was the type of encounter where I noticed him coming towards me and I just put the camera up and clicked. He laughed it off although looked at me somewhat curiously. Uncertain if he remembered who I was, I extended my hand, we shook and I told him what my deal was. He didn’t remember, but was cool with me snapping the photo! We soon went our separate ways.
I have not heard about the residential school days in Canada. Were they as devastating to native cultures as U.S. ideals of education were to the indigenous peoples of our own country? What remarkable people you find on your walks!
Cheers, Dave. The residential schools were very devastating to aboriginal peoples in Canada. It can be said they were partly responsible (in in many cases fully) for the destruction of many indigenous cultures here. It’s unfortunate and something that will take many more years to fully understand. Forgiving and moving on is not always an easy process.
We live in an Athabascan community and the effects of our own repressive schools can be seen all around us. Some of my students have told me how their grandfather had his teeth pulled as a young boy because he spoke his own language in school. I understand what you mean, forgiving and moving on can be a hard, hard thing to do.
I love these photos Mike. It’s as if one could read the stories of their lives in the lines on their faces.
Diana xo
Thank you Diana!! We talked for about 20 or 30 minutes, and I could feel they wanted to talk for a lot longer – especially Jerry.
Great one!
Interesting portraits. I love the very first one, oh and the second!
And I love the rest of them too!
FreeCarnation
Your portraits generate a lot of thoughts all the time. There are so much character in that faces.
Thank you Alexander. It is wonderful to get feedback like this! Cheers.
I’m very moved by this post…
Great, great work, Mike.
Thank you Malin! They were very inspirational to talk to.
Aha … here’s my man, again. These are some photos, full of insight, curiousity, wonder. I have a cousin who married a cousin … I know, it sounds like we should be rotating the tires on the mobile home. But they are exquisite, smart, chaming … so? Anyway, Mike, I was so glad to see you here again.
Thank you Mark! I certainly won’t pass judgement on the cousins getting married. I know for a fact that in my own family history, this has occurred. Happens more often than people realize.
I’m trying to become more active on the blog again, but it’s been challenging with so many other things to do! I’m not being a slacker on purpose!!
Moving photos ! I love the story behind also..I’m sure it’s just o snapshot of how much more they have to say..
Thank you!! You are correct. I probably could have taken more images, but it was better to just take a couple and focus on them. Actually, I almost forgot about taking the pictures!
Great series Mike.
Thank you Mark!!
j ‘appreciate the approach and the help that you have undertaken to achieve these magnificent protraits! the tough street life deserves a bet before! Congratulations to you
You are an extremely interesting person. I wish I had the courage to just walk up to people and start talking to them and ask them if I can photograph them. Unfortunately where I love I would wind up getting the hell beat out of me.
Magnificent moment, very strong, loved the colour composition.
great portraits!! love the expressions you have captured…