In the rolling hills of Kamloops, British Columbia, Jay Bearhead stands out as magic. He's a keeper of ancestral knowledge of living in harmony with the land, and a performer of traditional song and dance. And as the owner of Bearhead Bikes and Boards, he's bringing outdoor experiences to the youth of his community with a strong focus on indigenous values and interconnectivity.

When I had the chance to perform this shoot with Jay, I was ecstatic. He perform a number of his favourite songs for me, while singing and sharing stories of this landscape we call home. It was a steel-grey sky kind of day, but a beam of gold light broke through just before sun down, illuminating Jay in dream-like diffusion. I exclaimed, "I very rarely light someone with direct sun light... this is magic!"
And Jay simply nodded, offering, "We are magic. Everything we see and admire in nature is just us reflecting on ourselves." 

"Play helps keep us young, takes away the stress of work and bills and the general 'adultness' of being an adult. I find it in my job, at home, on the road at pow wows, keeping fun at the forefront is what makes these enjoyable. I left the office network to focus on being able to play for my job. Best decision I've made.
Play in the water, the dirt, ride your bike, push your skateboard, get dirty, laugh, feel young and stay young. For me, that the purpose."