Nations and Voices project

Raising awareness of world travellers that identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour (BIPOC).

Hello friends, my name is Shawn Johnston and I am a Two Spirit Anishinaabe originally from Couchiching First Nations located on Treaty #3 territory. 

What is Nations and Voices?
Nations and Voices is a year long photo project starting in the fall of 2017. As I travel around the world, I will document my journey through the use of social media tools and weekly vlogs that will allow me to share my thoughts and experiences with the folks that follow along.  My goal is also create a photo series of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) folks I meet durung my travels.

In October 2017, my journey will begin by heading west across Turtle Island (Canada) visiting  various territories. I will then head to Hawaii, Aotearoa (NZ), and Australia where I will meet up with friends, and continue working on the project while learning to live off the land through WWOOFing .

Goals
My goal is to use photography to share stories of BIPOC folks (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) that I meet during my travels. It is my hope that these photos create conversation, trigger emotions, change perceptions, and foster critical thinking.  We do this because BIPOC folks have many stories to tell which is often silenced by privileged world travelers.

All funds being raised will help with cover the costs of travel, meals, accommodations, hiking gear, camera gear, editing software, and honourariums to those involved with the project.

Upon my return home, half of the proceeds from photo exhibits, art galleries, and publications (after costs) will be donated to spaces working with BIPOC students.


Some of the folks I've had the opportunity of photographing so far can be viewed on my Facebook and Instragram pages. 


My travels will take me to many lands and territories, including places I once lived. As I retrace these old steps, I will reconnect with folks that have had an impact on my life. I will chronicle these world travel experiences through vlogging and social media. My weekly vlogs will allow me to share my thoughts, feelings, and experiences with folks following along.

The final goal of this project is to create visibility and awareness that world travelers are Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC). We do this by decolonizing the spaces being occupied by white privileged travelers and begin to listen to the voices of BIPOC people. 


How much do you need?
My goal for this project is $25,000

Where do the funds go? 
All funds raised will help cover the followings costs:
- DSLR equipment
- GoPro equipment
- Editing Tools
- Backpacks
- Clothing
- Footwear
- Jackets
- Travel Insurance
- Vaccinations
- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Meals

How can you help?
- Like my Facebook page
- Follow my Instagram page
- Subscribe to my Youtube channel
- Share this page!
- Make a donation to this page!!

REWARDS

$50 and over 
- Thank-you shout out in one of my vlogs.
 $100 and over (limit 10) 
- Shout out and will mail you a hand written post card.
$200 and over (limit 10)
- Shout out, post card, and and a souvenir of my choice.
$500 and over (limit 3)
- Shout out, 1 hour photo shoot (portrait session. This includes editing), and personal thank you added to every vlog entry (your logo added, if available).  

AIRMILES PLAN MEMBERS
I will also accept the transfer of airmiles points. Please contact me through social media for details. 

Miigwetch (Thank you) for your support! Let's do this! #NationsAndVoices