A picture is worth a thousand words.

"It truly is. The ability to tell a story without uttering a word," says Melanie Gray, a Humboldt resident who has the distinction of favourite photo at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg.

Gray was named the winner of a public vote that spanned over six months at the museum and online, as an exhibit for Canada 150 was opened.

"My hands starting shaking. I got an e-mail last week from the President and CEO of the museum, and so when I saw the subject line of 'Congratulations', I thought 'oh my gosh'."

She says that she saw the e-mail at work during a coffee break and had to quickly scurry away as to not spoil the confidentiality agreement.

Over 24,000 votes were cast throughout the voting period with Gray receiving 10% of the vote.

The photo Gray submitted was taken on her home First Nation in Rama, Ontario, and shows a powwow as the sun sets in the background.

Titled 'The Next Generation', Gray said in May that the photo shows resilience and resurgence for First Nations people and that it gives her hope.

Overall, Gray feels that the message was well-received.

"I think people maybe took it as 'oh, you're celebrating Canada 150', and I'm thankful for that platform because it was going to get a lot of attention, but no, I'm not celebrating it, but I'm not guilting anyone when they do celebrate it," she said, referring to history that includes colonization, forced assimilation, residential schools, sixties scoop, and today's issues.

"I'm just taking that opportunity to say 'hey, maybe people aren't celebrating it, and this is why'."

Prior to the opening of the exhibit, Gray had the opportunity to attend a reception that included the other photographers who have their work on display.

"The whole museum is done so well. It sheds light on so many human rights issues that I didn't see were human rights issues, so it was an educational experience as well."

Upon finding out she had won the vote for people's choice, Gray was also excited to know that the exhibit will be travelling across the country, allowing more people to see the display.

"This photo that took me seconds to take, it just blows my mind that it has been seen by that many people."

Gray also won a $2,000 prize for the award and says she will be donating a portion to the Friendship Inn in Saskatoon, which provides meals and services for homeless and vulnerable people.