“Duck”
I spent my whole life around water, working as a clam digger and scallop fisherman. In 2021, I made the decision to finally step away from fishing. Many people urged me to return, but I held firm and stayed true to myself. For the first time in over 40 years, I said no. For a week, the crew visited me each day, trying to convince me to come back, and each time I refused. One week later, that same boat and crew were lost at sea, with no survivors.
Patricia
Proudly born to African-Canadian parents with Indigenous grandparents, my heritage is a deeply important part of who I am. As one of 10 kids, I grew up on a dirt road just outside of town with no power. We ate rabbit, porcupine, pig and whatever we could get to get by. My childhood was a happy one. I loved school, especially reading. I wasn’t even that bad at spelling bees! Today, I’m an outgoing, caring and hardworking person who loves life. I’m good!
Val-Marie
I was born in Halifax and grew up in Yarmouth. I found music early; I could sing like a bird, and dance became one of my strengths. As a little girl, I battled cancer, and I believe God is why I’m still here. I have a soft spot for animals and children. Music is another way I connect when I’m sad or I’m happy or sometimes just mad at the world. My hair is blue. Blue has always been my colour. When I was young, after radiotherapy, I wore blue pom-poms in my hair. I’ve always known I was different. Here in Halifax, I’ve learned to shape my look through colour and form. When I listen to music, I enter another world. My world.
Richard
I was born with a very rare blood condition and stand 4’4” tall. I was one of five children; my father was a fisherman, and my mother died when I was two. Growing up was difficult as I was different, and other children called me stupid because they didn’t understand me. I found joy in singing and playing guitar. I am very friendly, and I help whoever I can, whenever I can. Doctors once told my father I wouldn’t live past 40. I am now 94 years old and I have outlived all of my family members.
Dominique
I grew up never feeling beautiful. I was miserable and struggled deeply with mental health: depression, anxiety, feeling lost and a severe eating disorder. I was taking 30 to 40 medications a day, but nothing worked; it got so bad that I began to self-harm and ultimately wanted to die. After trying to take my life three or four times, something had to change. It did. Having my photo taken made me feel beautiful and seen, so much that it made me cry. Today, I am learning to love myself and to believe that I am good enough, that I deserve to be seen and that I have a future to look forward to.
Annette
I should have died at birth. I was born weighing just 1 lb. 3 oz., and in fact, I died three times. I’ve lived with a disability all my life and have been gripped by seizures at times. Through it all, I love people and find joy in life, especially when I’m doing my crafts. I’ve attended a special needs school from kindergarten to this day.
Devan
Abandoned as a newborn child and raised by my grandparents, I learned about life the hard way. At my core, I’ve always been kind and giving, but life pushed me to be hard and street smart, while the real me was screaming to get out. This photo reflects my journey to overcome my past and be seen for who I truly am.
Tawnya
My mother had me when she was 16, my father wanted an abortion, but she was resolute. With the support of grandparents and relentless effort, she gave me a happy childhood. Some might call it privilege, but I call it hard work. She worked incredibly hard. To this day we all still enjoy those strong bonds of love. I was always the “firecracker” in the family: if it was Polka Dot Day at school, I’d turn up in stripes! Staying true to my beliefs and emotions is very important to me.
Courtney
I am 28 and a proud mother of three. Born and raised in Yarmouth, I have a deep passion for photography and the arts. My Christian faith is an important part of my life and guides me in how I live and care for others. My tattoos are an expression of my personality and are a reminder that even difficult experiences can be transformed into something good.
Bill H.
I am one of 25 siblings in a large family, and I’m a Nova Scotian through and through. I love dogs and all animals, and I’ve always had a strong desire to help people. I left school at 15 and went to work as a woodsman. Later in life, I started my own landscaping business, which I continue to run today despite ongoing health challenges. I treat everyone with the same level of respect, no matter who they are.
Erin
My identical twin and I were born and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. After graduation, I studied to become a certified makeup artist, with plans to work in the film industry. Sometimes life takes a turn, and in my case, for the better. Today, at 29, I am a mother to three “littles”. I am also a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.
Natalie
My parents divorced when I was eight. I was bullied at school for being “different,” which led to an eating disorder and anorexia from the ages of 13 to 20. I’ve always loved to travel, so I did. Many times. Today, I am a well-rounded person, loyal, compassionate to others and empathetic to everyone, and I give my all to the relationships in my life.
Melanie
As far back as my earliest memories, there has been a deep sadness within me that only some can truly understand. In this picture, I can see those scars inside me coming through to the surface; scars shaped by racial, physical, financial, mental, emotional and sexual abuse.
Marjorie
I was always an athletic, energetic child with no real aspirations to pursue sports, but when given the chance to compete, I was all in. Without fanfare, I excelled and went on to become a Commonwealth Games track-and-field silver medallist and represented my country at the highest levels—including the Olympics. Today, however, I want to be known for supporting Indigenous youth, helping them succeed and win in whatever path they choose for themselves.
Bethany
Growing up, I was always a bit of a tomboy: an under-the-radar kid with a “F– you” kind of attitude. What people didn’t always see was the real me underneath. I’ve often been judged for my outward appearance, without others taking the time to get past the exterior facade to get to know the real me. At my core, I am loving, kind, nurturing and fiercely loyal to the ones I love.
Alec
I was born in Ontario and grew up in the “disco” nightclub scene (drug-free) as a Go-Go dancer, but left when it limited my creativity and passion for singing. I am now a lay minister in the Anglican Church with a strong commitment to volunteerism.
Darcey
I grew up in a poor, abusive, single-parent household. After escaping a groomer, I was pulled into a world of drugs, partying and eventually prostitution. In my twenties, I moved to a big city only to find myself in another deeply abusive relationship that would come down to my life or his. So, I fought back, and the consequences led to 13 months in jail. That time marked a turning point. I made the decision to rebuild my life and become the person I had always wanted to be. Today, I stand tall, proud of my Indigenous heritage, a survivor of profound hardship and someone who is not just surviving, but thriving.
Bill F.
I was born and raised in Yarmouth and one of seven kids. I am a child of God and have spent over 53 years as a fisherman. I once faced a 13- metre wave in 177 km/h winds, but without a doubt, the hardest thing I’ve ever endured was losing my wife in 2016. It broke my heart.
Adian
I come from a very hardworking, grounded family. I had to flee my homeland for political reasons, an experience that shaped my outlook on life. I am a keen sports enthusiast, encourager and political activist with a passion to see positive change. Be kind to everyone and enjoy your life.
Karla
From a young age, I’ve been known for my vibrant personality and vivid imagination, qualities that have become powerful tools in healing trauma and anxiety with creativity and resilience. Deeply connected to nature and music, I’m drawn to spaces that invite feeling, expression and presence. Through holistic practices like art, yoga and movement, I create opportunities to explore, release and gently move forward. I carry a wild, eccentric spirit that allows me to live authentically and wholeheartedly, finding comfort and joy in meaningful connection and shared moments.
Jeanie
I was born in 1925 in Wyoming, USA. I’ve been an artist, a jeweller and a collector of fine antiques. As the wife of a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, we travelled often. I moved to Nova Scotia and fell in love with the environment. I couldn’t resist the call to go fishing. People told me to “get back where I belong” in the house, that fishing wasn’t for women. I bought my own boat, the Yellow Bird, and I was very successful. Later, I decided I wanted to fly; I was told women don’t fly. So, I went and got my pilot’s license and I flew. Sadly, I passed away in November 2024 at the age of 97.
Roger
As a child I was always immersed in nature: catching frogs, salamanders and bugs was my happy place. I spent a lot of time alone, but I was happy. Things changed in my teens. Because I thought differently than the other kids, I was badly bullied. By junior high, things really started to fall apart. My hopes and dreams stopped making sense, and I struggled with depression, anxiety and negative thoughts. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Today I’m a survivor. I may not have the things others find easy to get—a house, a job, a car, or a motorcycle—but I am proud that I made it through. I get by, and I know that it is possible to become a better person. I still struggle, but music, especially the blues, keeps me going. For that, and for my family, I am deeply grateful.
Heather & Kayleigh
I was devastated at the age of four when my father drowned while fishing off the coast of Yarmouth. My mother did not cope well with mental health, so I was raised by my loving grandparents. Life was hard, but I found an outlet through hairdressing. I married a wonderful man and we are raising three children together. One of our biggest challenges has been caring for our severely disabled, non-verbal daughter, who has needed multiple surgeries and ongoing care. But it’s made me the person I am today, loving the simple Nova Scotian life, taking photos and being kind to others.
Paul
I hadn’t had my photo taken in over 50 years, until Mike took these. I’m Nova Scotia born and bred, one of four siblings, and I had a fairly easy life growing up. I wasn’t bullied and never struggled with substances. I’ve always lived a simple life, doing humble jobs around town, like cutting grass and clearing snow. I enjoy reading, watching movies and riding my bike. I’ve always tried to be courteous, the type of guy who shows up when asked. And I truly love my photo.
Tee
I was the child of teenage parents, and although life wasn’t easy, we always made the best of it. When I was 10, my parents had twins, and I was forced to grow up quickly; it’s no surprise that by 18, I too became a parent. There were many things people said I wouldn’t accomplish, including college and travel. But today, at 36, I am married with three wonderful children, have a career I love, have travelled to more than 15 countries and am always taking courses to further my education in my spare time. I am adaptable, resilient, loyal, a free spirit and extremely fierce!
Daniel
My face is etched with the joys and tribulations of a musician’s life. It reflects my journey from child prodigy to finding the freedom to express the true essence of music and the soul.
Andrew
I was born and raised in Nova Scotia and studied Computer Science at Acadia University, but my true love has always been connecting with nature. Life dealt me some hard blows, and I eventually found myself homeless and living in squalor. Then I met Mike. He photographed me to draw attention to my plight. Today, for the first time in my life, I have a safe, warm place to call home. I’m forever grateful.