Richard Froese
Spotlight
Photographs and wisdom of seniors in the High Prairie and Falher areas is the focus of a book that will be released this month by a High Prairie photographer.
Jodi Sware will present and sell her book “Wisdom of Our Elders” during an open house March 19 from 2-5 p.m. at High Prairie and District Museum where 20 High Prairie seniors are featured as part on The Wisdom Project on display until March 31.
“It is my hope that with this project I could gift families and communities by documenting our elders’ wisdom to share with future generations,” says Sware.
For $78, her 166-page book focuses on 78 seniors from the High Prairie area, Falher to Kinuso, as well as Wabasca and Cadotte Lake, with a few added special senior personalities.
Visitors are welcome to view the exhibit during museum hours Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Portrayed in their everyday lives, and combined with their words of wisdom, it is an exhibit that honors and celebrates the impact that elders make on the lives of people and communities,” says Darlene Adams, museum executive director.
“We are very excited to have Jodi join us to present her new book.”
She started the project three years ago, and some of the people have since passed on.
“I chose people who made a good contribution in the community, raised wonderful families and people who I thought were aging well,” says Sware, a professional portrait photographer for 17 years.
“When you look at them all, they have lived amazing lives.”
Featuring a range of seniors from those in their 60s to those reaching their mid-90s, the book is filled with photos in various settings and great words of wisdom that inspire.
“We need to listen to them because they are all smart and wise,” Sware says.
“I collected wisdom from farmers, homemakers, businessmen, musicians, nature lovers, teachers, nurses, healers, and grandparents and they were all so humble that I don’t believe they realize the impact they made on the lives of others.”
Featured in the book, elders in the spotlight at the museum include High Prairie area residents Evelyn Babkirk, Jim Babkirk, Eleanor Barnes, Toni Belli, George Bennett, Gordon Buchanan, Cliff Calvert, Annette Charrois, Gordon Courtoreille, Glenys Cuts, Gillian Hill, Melvin Hill, Donna Keay, Rudolf Lubeseder, Anne Porisky, Louisa Rich, Eileen Singleton, Don Smith, Stan Sware, and Emma Williscroft.
Up next, Sware is on the way to publish a second book in the Wisdom Project to feature couples married for 40 years and more get their wisdom on the what it take to be together that long.
“As with all of my photography, my goal was to really see people, not just physically, but for who they are on the inside,” Sware says.
“I get to hear their stories, learn from their life experiences and I feel privileged that they share their life with me and trust me to tell a small part of their story.”
For more information on the exhibit, phone the museum at 780-523-2601.
Locations where the book will be sold will be confirmed after the book is released.
