My Journey through education and work
I didn't finish high school. I went to Morley Community School and took classes but I didn't have the right supports to finish. I had an art teacher who encouraged me, and I met members of the AV Club.
I painted sometimes, and I approached the AV Club looking for advice about how to become a tattoo artist. That was my dream. From there, they invited me to Edmonton to exhibit my paintings, and I met some Indigenous tattoo people who suggested EarthLine
I made art with the AV Club and I continued my tattooing in some ways, although I found the industry really awful. I found other art forms, and through the AV Club I ended up working with the Whyte Museum as an intern.
I got some help to apply for the EarthLine Residency from the AV Club. It was really difficult to be away from my community for that long. It was so hard. I was very alone. But I survived and met friends along the way. I learned some traditional tattoo practices.
I found it hard to work in Banff and be away from my family and community. It was so lonely again. I felt like working full time in a museum didn't give me enough time to practice my art. I felt like it wasn't for me, and I quit. But I kept the relationship as best I could. So I could come back to the Whyte when it felt right to me.
I worked hard on this project, and it made me feel more ready to go back to museums. I studied them and how they worked, I visited collections, and I made art about it all. Then I got accepted to make a mural at the Whyte Museum, and I invited my friend Giona to work with me.
Then I also got a job at the Confluence. I help them build relationships with our community. I use my creative brain, and the network I have, and the knowledge I gained looking at museums to do this.
After Giona and I made a mural I got a job as a tour guide of the murals. I like talking to tourists, and I learned how to do it working at SNR. When the mural tours were over I kept working at the Whyte. I don't want to work every day, but they let me work when it feels right for me.
This photo is owned by the Whyte Museum
I don't have formal training, but I do have my experiences. I am learning my language and I am learning my culture every day. I believe all our people are sacred, even if you don't have the best situation. You can make something of your life. It's very hard, I can't believe how hard. I am trying my best for my family. Everything is for Jr. & Paige.