A photographer from Humboldt is going to have one of her works on display to tourists.

Melanie Gray is one of 70 who will have a photo be part of the new Points of View exhibit at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

The exhibit, which will celebrate Canada 150, had over 900 photos submitted.

Gray says the photo, titled The Next Generation, has a close connection to her.

"This was taken on my home First Nation in Ontario, so I have very close ties to there. It's just beautiful to see all these people coming together and they carry pride with them and it is a sense of community and a sense of belonging."

As the sun sets in the background, the picture showcases a traditional dance.

After finding out through an e-mail in February that her photo would be selected, Gray was unable to share the news until recently due to a confidentiality agreement.

She says that time allowed her to go over the meaning behind the photo and ensure she is ready to share it with the world.

"Just going over that message in my head and making sure I am prepared to share the message and exactly what I want to get across," explained Gray. "Just having so many people from different backgrounds see it. Are they going to see the same thing that I meant for them to see."

The message, Gray says, relates to the history of First Nations people in Canada and what the future can bring.

"I take a look at colonization, forced assimilation, residential schools, sixties scoop and today's issues," she said. 

"It gives me hope because I see how strong and resilient our people are, but it gives me hope because I see healing, and that's where the title of the photo comes in, because it's important now, but it is important in the future as well."

Gray says that she is looking forward to seeing the photo and the rest of the exhibit up close in Winnipeg.

"Now that I was able to share the news, I could now work out the time to take off for work," she explained. "They are having a special event for media and photographers on June 22nd, so I would like to be there for that."

The exhibit will open on June 23 and be on display until February.


You can hear more from Gray below.