Harley Syrette
Harley Syrette, age 21 during making of film.
I am Anishinaabe from Batchewana First Nation. and I have always lived on the Rankin Reserve in Sault Ste. Marie. I recently finished mt high school credits and started attending classes at Sault College in the natural environment programs – Fish and Wildlife and Forestry. Hopefully I will land a decent job in that area and do some work with my First Nation’s Natural Resources Department. I am also very involved with my community, attending social events, gatherings and ceremonies.
I am also a musician, I play bass guitar, guitar, and I also like playing pool with my friends. My favorite music includes Rush, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Van Halen, AC/DC, John Hiatt, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Alice In Chains and other Rock-based bands and musicians.
Samantha Boyer
Sammanth Boyer, age 23 during making of film.
Boozhoo! My name is Samantha Boyer and I am from the buffalo clan. I just successfully completed my third year of studies at Algoma University and Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig majoring in Sociology and Anishinaabemowin. I am also a mother to two beautiful children; Thomas and Zeegwen. I am very honoured to have been chosen to be a participant in this research project and the experience and knowledge that I received has been invaluable to me. My role in the research project was to go into my community and help choose and interview elders about the importance of the land to Anishinaabe people and the health of my community members as a whole. The information that we collected will be extremely beneficial to the project and to my community; however, the stories that my elders shared with me throughout the summer I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Dayna lee Crosson
Dayna lee Crosson, age 23 during making of film.
I am a Anishinaabe of the Pic River First Nation in Ontario, Canada. I am currently working at the Pic River Elementary School in the Grade 7&8 class. In September I plan on pursuing an education in the Education field at Lakehead University. With my education I plan on working with flyin reserves. I am 23 years of age, born in Thunder Bay, ON and moved to Pic River in 1997. I enjoy singing and dancing in our aboriginal culture, also being with my family and friends, being outdoors and meeting new people. I have very strong peoples skills and I am capable of doing any task in front of me.
Raven Courchene
Raven Courchene, age 22 during making of film.
I am a member of the Pic River First Nation but currently living in Thunder Bay, ON to further my education. I am attending Lakehead University and I just completed my first year in the Honors Bachelor of Social Work program. Before I entered University, I completed the Native Child and Family Services diploma at Confederation College. My career goals are to complete my education and work with Aboriginal youth and children and hope that I can help improve the quality of life for our people. I enjoy spending time with my nieces and nephews , as well as going to the beach on the Pic River and spending time at Pukawskwa Park where I work during the summer.
Shannon Marie Courchene
Shannon Courchene, age 26 during making of film.
My name is Shannon Marie Courchene. I am 26 year mother of 2 beautiful girls, Mackenzie (9 yrs) and Madison (6yrs). I am a proud member of the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation and still reside there. I am currently in the process of completing my business administration-accounting diploma through Confederation College in Thunder Bay.
Spending time with my family and sisters is the best part of my day. We always have the best laughs. I want to work with aboriginal people, hopefully in my own community. Specifically the type of work that helps give them a better understanding of what’s going on in our community and how to incorporate that into their own lives.