THE POWER OF REGALIA

A look into my lens as a first nation photographer

Little bit about the project

first off I would like to introduce myself, My name is Mason Paul I am a Wolastoqiyik photographer from St. Mary's first nation.

At first I wanted to do this project, Because I wanted to show people that first nations culture isn't only beautiful but also so so powerful. During this this project, I was lucky to meet so many awesome people. The photos I take always mean a lot to me, Its something about being able to freeze that moment, And be able to relive that time though photos, and during this I realized that capturing these portraits also meant a lot to some of the dancers, and with the photos meaning a lot to me to start with, After hearing some of the stories from some of the dancers why the photos meant a lot to them, hearing this makes this collection of portraits mean so much more to me.

I hope you can see the beauty and strength in these photos, i hope you can see the saddens first nation people hold, I hope you can feel the love in these photos, i hope you can feel the power in these photos, and most of all i hope this helps you heal

Woliwon

Wela'lin

Thank You