Institute For Canadian Citizenship Ceremony - Fort William Historical Park

This was my second year in a row photographing probably one of my favourite events of the year - the Institute for Canadian Citizenship Ceremony at Fort William Historical Park. For those of you who don't about this organization or event, I encourage to you head on over to their website where you can learn a lot more.

Institute for Canadian Citizenship website - click here.

The event his year was the same as the last in that it started with some roundtable discussion. Everyone shared there story and asked any questions they may have regarding Canadian Citizenship. Then it was time for everyone to get sworn in and officially become a citizen of Canada. Just seeing all the smiles and excitement from all the attendees, made the whole event an easy one to photograph. I'm very much looking forward to next years ceremony if they have me back.

59th Canadian Firefighters Curling Championship

It was approximately 10 years ago that Thunder Bay hosted the Canadian Firefighters Curling Championship. So, when asked if I could cover the event I jumped at the chance because who knows when the next time it will make it's way to Thunder Bay again. 

I have been doing more and more events over the past few years. Whether it's a Pow-wow, a baseball tournament, or in this case a curling event, it's always a challenge, but one I very much look forward to. This was actually my first time photographing a curling event so I was super excited to do so. The great thing about curling is that it is a bit slower paced so it's not as difficult capturing this decisive moments. With that being said, you still have to know the sport to anticipate moments. Luckily for me, I have followed curling all my life, so I understand the game. 

The week started at the Prince Arthur Hotel where are the teams were staying. To get the even underway they had a flag raising with some of the Thunder Bay Firefighters. We then did a huge group photo of all the teams and everyone else involved. Once we were done there, the opening ceremonies took place at the host venue, The Port Arthur Curling Club. After the The Macgillivray Pipe Band of Thunder Bay finished playing, the teams entered and the event officially started. 

Throughout the week, I came and went and captured some of the action and processions. It was a very laid back atmosphere but so much fun. All the teams were so friendly and I even got the chance to catch some of the games. It was some really high competition as you would expect. 

In the end, Team Saskatchewan beat Team Alberta in the final, and it came down to the last rock in the final end. Once the game was over, all the teams made their way out again to take part in the closing ceremonies. The medals were given out and we finished off with the team photos of the gold, silver and bronze medal teams. It was such a fantastic week of curling and I am so happy I was able to be a part of it! I can't wait until the next even rolls through town.

ICC Citizenship Ceremony at Fort William Historical Park

Last week I was honoured to photograph a very important ceremony for a lot of people. It was the Citizenship Ceremony held at Fort William Historical Park and it was hosted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. Approximately 50 new Canadians were officially declared Canadian Citizens. Before that happened, they all had a chance to meet with the other guests as well as share their stories and journey that brought them to this point. They have all been in Canada for quite a while now, so it was exciting for each an every one of them to be able to finally call Thunder Bay home. 

The event included roundtable discussions where new citizens were able to share their stories and then one person from each table shared a brief story with the entire room. It was amazing to hear all the unique stories and in many cases. After the discussions were over it was time for the new citizens to partake in the oath of citizenship and officials get their certificate. 

It was such a great event to be a part of and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I eventually get to cover another one in the future. Congratulations to all the new Canadian Citizens!

Canadian Council of Forest Ministers

This past Friday I had the pleasure of photographing the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers at the Best Western Plus Norwester Hotel & Conference Centre. It was an all day event which concluded with a press conference with The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, and the Honourable Bill Mauro, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry for the Province of Ontario. 

All in all it was a very informative and productive meeting between all the Ministers throughout Canada. Without knowing much about the topic going in I did come away with a greater understanding of some of the challenges facing Canada and the Forestry Industry.