Project Unity

1/3 "The culture of Greece has changed and evolved many times throughout its history, but perhaps the most famous cultural era of this European country is Ancient Greece when Greek gods and goddesses were worshipped throughout the land. The Greek Goddess of the Earth, Gaia, is considered the mother of all life yet many have not heard of her. In Greek mythology, Gaia was the first deity from whom all others sprang. She was born of Chaos, but as Chaos receded, Gaia came into be...ing. Lonely, she created a spouse named Uranus, but he became lusty and cruel, so Gaia persuaded her other children to help her subdue their father. Cronos, her son, took a flint sickle and castrated Uranus, throwing his severed organs into the great sea; the goddess Aphrodite was then born of the mixing of the blood and foam. Gaia went on to have other mates including Tartarus and Pontus with whom she bore many children including Oceanus, Coeus, Crius, Theia, Rhea, Themis, Mnemosyne, Phoebe, Tethys, the Python of Delphi, and the Titans Hyperion and Iapetus. Gaia is the primal mother goddess, complete in herself. The Greeks believed that an oath sworn by Gaia was the strongest since no one could escape from the Earth herself. In modern times, some earth scientists use the term "Gaia" to mean the complete living planet itself, as a complex organism. In fact, many institutes and scientific centers around Greece are named after Gaia in honor of this tie to the earth." (Regula) #mothersday #earthmother #goddess #celebratemothers Regula, deT. (n.d.). Facts and Myths of Gaia, the Greek Goddess of the Earth. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/greek-mythology-gaia-1525978. Model: Valene Eva Photographer: Ashford Hamilton Makeup: Kristen Cookie Munroe & Binny Cosmetics Hair: Summer Gendron Fashion Event Coordinator: Nipîy Iskwew Outfit provided by: Amanda Diaz Photography

Motherhood means so much to me. I didn’t have my beautiful biological mom in my life but I was given a chance to be raised by a wonderful woman who taught me strong values. Without both of these woman I wouldn’t be the woman or mother I am today. I strive everyday to being my best self, to continue to learn how to love and be loved, and model all the things that will help them be the best they can be Natasha Saddleback

In honor of Mother's Day, May 09. We are doing "Shout Out To Your Mama"! Send us a photo of you and your mom or of you and your children and either answer the questions "The Best Advice My Mom Gave Me.." "Funniest Mom Moment.."... "What Motherhood Means To You.." Being a mother is one of the toughest yet rewarding experiences in life. Every mom has their own take on their own unique experience we'd love to hear yours. We will be posting the picture along with your answers on our Facebook page and on our Instagram page so make sure you go and like.

3/3 "Luckily, I have been working in a culturally distinct facility for 12 years now where 100% of our clients and more than half of my colleagues are Asian. We celebrate Chinese festivals and we serve Chinese food to our clients. So I feel I have always been connected to my culture in Canada. I am proud of me being Asian, different from mainstream culture. And proud of being part of Project Unity to recognize cultural differences, culture distinctions and promote cultural d...iversity." Wei Li (Model) Designer: Fely Aagader Photographer: Ashford Hamilton Makeup: Kristen Cookie Munroe & Binny Cosmetics Hair: Summer Gendron Location: Edmonton Chinese Garden #celebrateasianculture

Project Unity is about real people who have or are currently overcoming real obstacles from all walks of life. Artists from across the province sharing their stories.

1/4: My name is Vanessa Crawford and I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. I am of English and Scottish descent. I have done professional photoshoots before but they were mostly family pictures or shoots for my own pleasure. This was the first time modeling for someone/something else. I was asked by Natasha to be a part of this project. I jumped at the opportunity to help. Being a bit of a rookie in this; I did my best to showcase the beautiful clothing designed by the ...2 local designers involved with this project. I am very happy and proud to have been a part of it. I love the diversity that our world has to offer. I find it inspiring when people put themselves out there, no holding back, to show the world their talent. -Vanessa Crawford (Model) Photographer: Ashford Hamilton Makeup: Jessie Lachance Hair: Ashley McLeod Designer: Brave Woman Botanicals & Designs

2/2 Being from a small town and being the only mixed person in my family was hard as I was only raised by my mothers’ side, I was different from everyone at school but also my family. As a kid you do not want to be different, you want to fit in. I didn’t really look like anyone, my skin was different and my hair was different, I started to hate how I looked. As I got older it never really went away, as you get older you start to be more insecure. I started straightening my h...Continue reading

1/2 "My name is Chagai Bell and I’m from a small town in BC called Fort St John. I am biracial, my mother is from South Sudan, she’s south Sudanese and my father is Métis and German. I decided to get into modeling when My friend asked me to do a photoshoot with her for fun, from that moment on I fell in love with modeling, I then did a few fashion shows, and I was hooked. The confidence and empowerment modeling gives you is amazing. I love the hair, makeup, the clothes. There... are so many beautiful, talented, and inspiring people you get to meet, and it opens up your mind so much, the self-love I gained from modeling is what keeps me going. I love the arts and cultural community, the bravery of being able to create something so personal and true to the heart is beautiful, being able to take your background and personal experiences and express it through art is truly inspiring. I am also a manager and instructor at an aerial and pole fitness studio, Aradia Fitness. I love to build up women and men especially with all the craziness of the world, I love being able to leave the world at the door and dance! Dance is very similar to modeling in the sense of art, performance, and a way to speak from the heart without words! Life has taught me that things can change so fast and you need to appreciate the little things because they may be gone tomorrow and so if you do not know what to do, be happy. It is crazy how scary it can feel to take the risk and do what makes you happy, a lot of the time our dreams seem so unrealistic we discourage ourselves, it’s very easy to self-sabotage and doubts yourself. We need to believe in ourselves when nobody does, and I am very blessed to have a support system that believes in me when I do not. If I did not take risks and did not push myself, I don’t think I’d be where I am today and if I didn’t have my family and friends behind me every step of the way, my life would be very different. I’ve learned that if you never try you never know. My message for the community is to love yourself, take care of yourself, and respect yourself. We are all different we’ve all come from different places, experiences and that’s okay! It’s great, instead of hiding what’s different embrace it, find the beauty in you that God created. It took me years to embrace my hair, and now I love it. We are all beautiful, and we all have a gift that makes us unique, someone out there is wishing to have that one feature you hate! Love yourself." Photography: Ashford Oliver Hamilton Hair: Ashley McLeod Makeup: Jessie Lachance Designer: Brave Woman Botanicals & Designs