Lorrie Lawrence is the Executive Director of the I.A.M. Collective, which she helped create in 2018. Photo by: Gavin John Written by: Gavin John Lorrie Lawrence’s colourful ribbon skirt and warm smile trail the aisles of the Old Strathcona Farmers Market in the heart of Edmonton’s vibrant Whyte Ave. While pointing out vendors that she knows, a woman touches Lorrie’s shoulder, excitedly exclaiming “Lorrie! Where have you been? I miss you!” The two of them were stall neighbours at the farmers...

John Ritchie, Métis owner and operator of Hideaway, opened his business in 2018, allowing him to share his love of nature and his culture across 160 acres of pristine wilderness. Photo by: Gavin John Written by: Gavin John The wide and open farmland cedes to a blanket of pines and poplar trees draped over gentle rolling hills in northern Alberta. Small creeks wind their way through muskeg-dotted forests, providing shelter and sustenance to the region’s wildlife. Nestled amidst the rich nature...