TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Red Cross has teamed up with local artists to share Wisdom of the North, a collection of stunning photographs from Northern First Nation communities, in Toronto's upcoming Scotiabank Nuit Blanche festival on Oct. 4.
Wisdom of the North is a photo essay by leading Canadian photographer, Johan Hallberg-Campbell consisting of engaging portraits, vast landscapes and touching personal moments that reflect First Nation communities in Northern Ontario, specifically Moose Cree and Attawapiskat, along the James Bay coast. The exhibition consists of a larger-than-life outdoor display at the corner of King and John streets, across from the Princess of Wales theatre, and will include 13 images, each one printed on eight feet by eight feet (8' X 8') vinyl banners.
Hallberg-Campbell, who is a Red Cross volunteer, took the photos to help tell the stories of the Red Cross work being done in those communities.
"Johan has done a truly remarkable job in capturing the strength and spirit of these communities," said Louise Geoffrion, Ontario's director of disaster management with the Canadian Red Cross. "We look forward to sharing his work during this important celebration of arts in Toronto, and at the same time, raising awareness about our collaboration with First Nations to build capacity through education, training and a true partnership."
Wisdom of the North is curated by Patrick Macaulay, Harbourfront Centre's director of visual arts, who has volunteered his expertise.
"Since the images will be presented as large as billboards, these northern communities will be occupying space in a media-saturated location and will be front and centre in occupying the attention of every viewer," said Macaulay. "The images intend to create a profound exchange of ideas between urban Canada and the remote landscapes and communities for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche participants."
That exchange of ideas will extend into social media, as participants share images and responses on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #RedCrossNuit. Canadians who aren't able to attend Scotiabank Nuit Blanche in person will be able to follow the action at redcross.ca/blog.
For the Red Cross, participating in the festival is an extraordinary opportunity to tell the story of the Red Cross, its volunteers and the people it serves. The Canadian Red Cross has a long history of responding to emergencies across Canada, including in remote First Nation communities. The Red Cross also works to build capacity within these communities to respond to disasters and prevent injuries, violence and abuse through training and education.
The current Strength and Spirit campaign aims to raise $1.5 million to support First Nation communities in preventing injuries, decreasing incidents of violence and abuse, and responding to emergency situations.
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche starts at approximately 7 p.m. on Oct. 4 and ends at dawn.
Image with caption: "Moose Cree boy in traditional dress, 2012. (CNW Group/Canadian Red Cross)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141001_C3940_PHOTO_EN_6210.jpg
SOURCE: Canadian Red Cross
Elizabeth Smith, Advisor, Media Relations, Canadian Red Cross, National Office, Ottawa, [email protected], T (613) 740-3603, cell : (613) 222-1253, www.redcross.ca, www.croixrouge.ca; OR Colleen Lowe, Manager, Communications, Public Affairs, Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne, Ontario Zone, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, Ontario, L5R 3E9, [email protected], T 905-501-3595, F 905-890-1008, C 416-580-2307, www.redcross.ca, www.croixrouge.ca
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