Photo of Alberta chief included in exhibit at Human Rights museum

A photograph of Chipewyan Prairie First Nation Chief Vern Janvier is among the 70 that comprise the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ new Canada 150 exhibition called Points of View.

The Janvier photo is one of the 18 images that focus on the topic of reconciliation, depicting subject matter ranging from Indigenous protest action to powwow dancing to lights of hope for the future.

“Chief Vern Janvier, Chipewyan Prairie First Nation, would often say to me, ‘Let it go.’ Letting go of what I thought something was or should be. Letting go of past beliefs. Letting go of my ego. He taught me that if we allow ourselves to see a new way, it can be one filled with love for each other and Mother Earth,” said Calgary photographer Joey Podlubny.

Another 16 photos reflect the connection between human rights and the environment, including depictions of Haida cedar bark weaving and reindeer herding in the North. The other two thematic categories reflected inclusion and diversity, and freedom of expression.

The museum issued an open call on Sept. 26, 2016, for crowd-sourced images to reflect themes under the four categories. After receiving 984 submissions from across Canada, a five-person jury for the museum selected 70 photographs. The winning photographs were announced May 4.

This national human rights photography exhibition opens June 23 in the museum's Level 1 Gallery and runs until Feb.4, 2018.

The museum is located in Winnipeg adjacent to The Forks.