Indigenality Photography Fundraiser

I am creating this Go Fund Me on behalf of a close friend of mine, Cole Richards, who has gone through tremendous struggles in the past short while and has experienced a significant financial loss that has really shook the foundation of his career, and passion. During a recent relapse, after four and a half years of sobriety, Cole had his entire photography and electronic collection stolen. This includes a Mac Desktop, Macbook Air, several Canon camera bodies, and lenses.

I personally have watched Cole build his photography business from nothing but a dream, and hope to make an impact in his time earthside. I was there in 2020 when he bought his first camera, and watched him create a brand, Indigenality Photography, and dedicate his life to showcasing Indigenous beauty and culture. His work highlights important movements such as the MMIW2SG+ movement, Residential School System awareness through Orange Shirt Day and the importance of prioritizing Indigenous representation in mainstream media. He has impacted people worldwide with his stunning photos, integration of Cree language, and foundational knowledge. In three short years he has made an impact, having been featured in Vogue for his poignant and beautiful artwork.

It is heart wrenching to watch someone go through so many struggles in such a short period of time, then to have this happen. To be kicked when you’re down. I watched Cole purchase every piece of equipment with his own money and slowly build up his collection, and all of those pieces meant a lot to him, and were fundamental in his photography career, a career that had just begun to take off.

I am graciously asking people to consider donating to help recover some costs of this theft, so Cole can slowly begin to build his collection and continue to change the landscape of Indigenous Art and photography. No donation is too little, anything will help this dream become a reality. If you are unable to donate, please share widely.

Thank you very much for reading.