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Photography Training & Learning 

I am Dale Andrews, a Metis photographer from Trail, BC. I became interested in indigenous photography in 2010 when I attended Back to Batoche Days in Saskatchewan, which happened to be the 125th anniversary of the Northwest Rebellion. While there, I photographed Metis fiddlers and jiggers in their traditional regalia, chuck wagon races and Metis artisans displaying their crafts. It was then that my love for the art of visual story telling of our peoples began. While at Batoche. I visited & photographed the National Historic Site, buildings, artifacts, and the cemetery where my great, great, great grandfather, Isadore Boyer, is buried. I have been to Batoche multiple times and always find it fascinating to learn about and photograph the Metis culture. I have a true passion for using photography to portray the beauty of our indigenous people, the faces of our elders, women doing traditional beadwork, the children at play and what it looks like to be indigenous in North America. It’s my hope to prevent the history of our people from fading away. 

Photography Training & Learning 

Due to my interest, I took a Digital Camera Mastery course to build my skills as a photographer. It taught me how to use my camera’s settings, the various types of photography including advanced techniques and I learned how to use lighting, color and black & white to set the tone of a photograph.  I have taken many other courses over the years to enhance my skills, capture outstanding images and stay up to date on new photo techniques. I have also taken courses where I have learned to edit photos, using cropping, and adjusting light and color levels etc. with photo-editing software to significantly enhance my photos for optimal display.  

Volunteer 

I have helped organize and fundraise for our local National Indigenous Peoples Day for many years. It is an event that brings our community together, fostering a sense of reconciliation, belonging and unity. I also enjoy teaching the various types of native beadwork through our local Metis group. Volunteering has inspired me to become more engaged with the issues of our people. I organized our local Adopt a Highway program where our Metis group cleans a section of highway twice a year. 

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Selected artistic and cultural work presented to the public. 

In 2021, one of my photos was chosen to be displayed on the wall of the new Metis Nation of British Columbia building for which I was paid a fee of $300.  I display some of my work on the Weather Network, Canadian Landscapes, BC Landscapes and West Kootenay Photos. 

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Awards and community recognition 

In 2014 I joined the Snowbirds club that has an annual photography competition and show.  My pictures, along with other photographers are displayed and judged in several categories and awards are given for the best entries. I received first place in different categories several times and one of my pictures won best in show in 2021.  I entered the Fort Steel, BC photo competition and won several 1st and 2nd place awards. I have my pictures on display for sale at a shop in Creston, BC where I have been fortunate to sell several.  I have also displayed and sold my work at our National Indigenous Peoples Celebration in Trail BC where my work has been well received. 

Teaching and Mentorship 

I worked with another photographer demonstrating digital photography to several children and youth on an informal basis.  

Memberships and affiliations 

I am a member of the Kootenay South Metis Society in Trail BC and the Snowbirds camera club.