About KJP
The ultimate aim of the [hero's] quest [is] neither release nor ecstasy for oneself, but the wisdom and the power to serve others.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
STATEMENT OF INTENT
My fondest childhood memories direct my adult life passions. As the first born of Residential School Survivor parents, I was raised with typical Post Traumatic Stress Disorder repercussions such as the challenge of detrimental aspects that affected First Nations people and to remain upholding healthy kinship dynamics. Fortunately, the Creator blessed our family with kindness, joy and passion to guide my parents in their quest as a contemporary "Indian" family that remained united to our land, people and Anishinaabe ways.
My dad had appeal and a way with words that prevailed in his presence and character by the many that knew him. He sits in the spirit world now, providing divine courage to my work and creativity.
My mother, in her determination, tenacity and foresight provides the foundation to my children and me. A fond memory with her is as a little girl at the library on Saturday mornings where she introduced me to the contemporary world of storytelling and books.
Another memory is observing my grandmother-Mary Jane Mishibinijima in her calico print dress in her garden and I, toddling behind her; witnessing her relationship to her plants and garden. She did not speak English, but I understood her eyes and words. I recall lying in the loft, peaking through the wooden planks, listening my grandparents and neighbours, sharing stories of history.
Today, I reside on the land of my grandparents (Maternal/Paternal) in Wikwemikong, within the majestic beauty of Manitoulin Island. The inspiration of this land nurtures and guides the elements of kindness, joy and passion to my professional process, in a proactive, proficent manner.
Miigwetch and join us on a journey of Kindness, Joy and Passion.
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It is an adventure in which the Native American sacred view must inevitably encounter the material and pragmatic focus of the larger American Society. In that meeting ground lies an opportunity for two cultures to both teach and learn from each other. ~ Vine Deloria, Power and Place, Indian Education in America, Preface. |
Karen's Professional Experience
Since the eighties, Karen has been fortunate to have studied under the tutelage of outstanding mentors such as Apela Colorado (www.wisn.org), Leroy Little Bear (Kainai, University of Lethbridge) Muriel Miguel (Spider Women Theatre), Marrie Mumford (Trent University) and Alejandro Ronceria (www.EarthinMotion.com). Her personal and professional life is blessed with mentors, associates, friends and family, especially her children and grandchildren who have guided and provided prosperity to her life experiences. As well, her academic education extends from the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, University of Lethbridge to the Great Lakes of Ontario, at Laurentian University, with a Political Science B.A. and academic studies in English Literature.
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However mean your life is, meet it and live it: do not shun it and call it hard names. Cultivate poverty like a garden herb, like sage. Do not trouble yourself much to get new things, whether clothes or friends. Things do not change, we change. Sell your clothes and keep your thoughts. ~ Henry David Thoreau |
