“For years I was a vegetarian, and I still don't eat any store-bought meat,” Kantola said. “Now, I eat everything we can catch or hunt, from fish to moose to grouse. I like the food I eat to be harvested ethically and locally, and for us the best option for this is to do it by ourselves by growing vegetables, and harvesting berries, and hunting, and fishing. We live in a world where things are consumed and disposed of and I want to do my best to be at least a little self-sufficient. We try to live off the land and be as self-sufficient as possible. Respecting the land and all the creatures in it is a part of our everyday life. We take only what we need for ourselves and our families. We offer tobacco when we go out hunting or fishing. I have learned a lot listening to community members. Mark is both my husband and my best friend. When I go out fishing or hunting with Mark, I trust his skills and experience. He is so confident outdoors and knows what he is doing.”
Bell is a band councillor In Aroland First Nation and his heritage is half Ojibway and half English. Growing up, his father taught him fishing and hunting skills. Bell developed a desire to travel as he grew. He watched CBC news programs and wanted to see the world. Over the years, he made his way to Germany, France Netherland, Korea, Norway, Sweden Russia and Finland.
Bell spends much of his outdoors time fishing and trapping. The lifestyle keeps him motivated. He is a student of his craft. Bell prides himself on his ability to learn lakes and the land in order to find fish and prey to trap and catch. This knowledge gives him the ability to provide for himself and his family. Nothing is more important.
“I live a traditional lifestyle, including hunting, trapping and fishing,” Bell said. “I grew up doing it and will live this lifestyle for the rest of my life. I hope that all my children will live this life as well.”
Kantola has a Masters Degree in Art Education and works as an elementary teacher in Aroland First Nation. She loves the land and people, and having the opportunity to take photographs of it all.
She finds a lot more similarities than differences in the Finnish, Canadian and Native cultures. In fact they all mesh well.
“Finland and northern Ontario have many similarities when it comes to nature, wildlife, and people too. I feel at home here,” she said. “Living in northern Ontario gives me the freedom of going out and enjoying the outdoors whenever I feel like it. Walking down trails has a calming effect and it's a way for me to relax and be present in the moment. The changes in the nature inspire me. Instead of going grocery shopping, we have an awesome opportunity to go out and try to get our own food.”