A shot from Humboldt photographer, Melanie Gray, has taken home the Canadian Museum for Human Rights People’s Choice Award.
The photo depicts a powwow dance at an Ontario First Nation that Gray is originally from.
“I just wanted to capture that moment,” said Gray. “Everyone is going to see that photo in a different way because we all have different experiences and sets of morals and values. I might see it as one way, and you might see it in another, and we can discuss that and have a very productive conversation.”
The picture was part of the museum’s “Points of View” exhibition, and was chosen as the winner of the award through a public vote. More than 24,000 votes were cast in the contest.
In an interview with MBC News, Gray had some words of advice for anyone keen on photographing Indigenous events.
“I’d have to say, number one is to be respectful, there is certain times that you are not supposed to take photos, it’s just like being in a church,” said Gray. “There are certain parts of ceremony that you have to be respectful and refrain from taking photos at that period of time.”
With the award comes a $2,000 cash prize. Gray says that she intends to donate some of her winnings to the Friendship Inn in Saskatoon, which provides shelter and meals to people that are homeless.
(PHOTO: The award-winning photo depicting dancers on the Rama First Nation in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Melanie Gray.)