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.”
Photo Credit: Jesse Kantola