Kaitlyn Wilcox
Kaitlyn (she/they) is a mixed Bodéwadmi, French, Irish, and English Two-Spirit person born and raised in Mississauga, with Bodéwadmi ancestors from Moose Deer Point First Nation on their maternal side. They hold a Master of Social Work from York University, a Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Philosophy and Psychology, and an Indigenous Knowledges and Experiences Certificate from Toronto Metropolitan University. In addition to their academic education, Kaitlyn is a Registered Social Worker with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. From a young age, their creativity was nurtured by their mother, aunties, cousins, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who instilled in them a deep love for visual storytelling. For Kaitlyn, art has been a journey of immense healing and reconnection. Guided by Spirit, kin, ancestors, and the Land, Kaitlyn uses visual storytelling to reclaim and foster spaces where Indigenous kin can unapologetically embrace our identities.
Reviving Blood Memory by Kaitlyn & Richelle
This interactive Truth Talk is designed to engage a community of participants in meaningful reflection and dialogue around the themes of Truth, (re)Conciliation, and the unlearning of harmful narratives. Co-facilitated by team members, Kaitlyn and Richelle, from Finding Our Power Together, the Truth Talk focuses on fostering understanding, promoting authentic connections, and challenging preconceived notions. Participants will explore the complexities of (re)Conciliation and contribute to a shared vision for a more just and equitable future.
Kaitlyn and Richelle will explore how colonization has disrupted ancestral blood memory and how this knowledge continues to inform resistance and resurgence. Along with participants, they will examine the role of blood memory in decolonization and sovereignty efforts, offering insights into its enduring significance for both individual and collective survival and healing.
There will be a grounding exercise to begin and close the Truth Talk in a good way. This session will be tailored to the specific needs and context of the community, helping to ensure relevance and effectiveness. This Truth Talk is designed to not only educate but also to inspire action and support for Indigenous futures within the framework of sovereignty and resurgence. This (un)learning exchange represents a significant step towards understanding and supporting Indigenous sovereignty and resurgence, offering a unique opportunity for participants to engage deeply with these critical issues and to become active participants in fostering community-led change.
Stay updated on Finding Our Power Together's work by following them at @findingourpowertogether or consider making a donation. Miigwetch.
Segmekwé Ndoch Bya by Kaitlyn Wilcox
Using digital storytelling, Kaitlyn Wilcox explores their re-search journey from their Master’s Re-search Paper, Segmekwé Ndoch Bya: A Critical Systematic Review of Sovereign Bodies, Decolonial Healing, and Fat Liberation. This collection reflects their journey toward decolonizing fatness through the nexus of Land and body sovereignty. Each of the six pieces represents a chapter of their research, delving into the complexities of Indigenous identity, body reclamation, and liberation from colonialism. The final artwork synthesizes these themes into a comprehensive illustration of their findings, embodying the necessity of decolonial healing.
TRUTH-TELLERS
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