Cole's Photography equipment replacement GoFundMe

tansi, or hello, in Cree (nêhiyawi), my name is Cole Crane, depicted above is my very good friend Sissy Thiessen Kootenayoo of Wasesaba Experiences, and I am starting this new GoFundMe to start my photography, my passion, my true artform. To get my foot back in door. To show the world how beautiful our cultures are and the people. My photography started out as just as a hobby, but as I came to meet new friends in our Indigenous community, it turned into a lifelong passion and career — I pray.

I started a GoFundMe last year when all my photography was stolen. Lost a good friend during that time period, but have since made amends. Relapse to alcohol after being 4 1/2 years sober turned my life upside down and I'm extremely grateful to all the people who donated, also to other photographers helping out as losing the equipment is something we never ever want to happen.

That being said, I had another relapse to alcohol and substances, it was trauma, a relationship that turned sour, and a choice that I made to numb the pain, I take responsibility for the choices I made, among other things. Moreover, alot of my photography equipment was stolen by people taking advantage of my kindness for weakness. People who use don't think straight nor rationally.

I recently seen a friend who won a Juno for Best Indigenous Artist, perhaps you might know who she is "Remember Me". Moreover, she suggested I make another GoFundMe, but to be honest I was scared and nervous, I still am, asking for donations for a second time. In my mind I don't want to be that artist that asks for money. But, I'm taking her advice because my art isn't just for me, it's for our people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike. I love photography and writing so much and I would like to get back to it as there's so much positive change in the Indigenous community as of late. My lifelong goal is to travel across Canada/USA/Mexico/Central America/South America and take portraits of Indigenous in all their beauty and culture.

Anything would help. If you can donate I thank you. Hopefully I can be back as soon as possible. The funds donated will be used to replace a starter camera and other photography equipment necessary to create exquisite art. kinanâskomitin (I thank you) in Cree.