KAren Wendy
Olson
Storyteller
I've been fascinated with the stories of my nation, my community and my family for as long as I can remember. Stories are vibrant reminders of my connection to cultural identity, history and Indigenous knowledge.
My story
- i am nehiyaw/ anishnaabe
- born and raised on Peguis
- author, activist, historian
Although I trained as journalist, I found a deep connection to traditional stories and to the storytellers who brought them to life.
I love how telling stories to an audience communicates the history, values and spirituality of my bloodline and my nations.
My journey
Work
Education
- CBC Radio: Associate Producer, 1991
- Peguis First Nation: Cultural Coordinator, 1983-1997
- University College of the North:
- En'owkin Centre: Creative Writing Instructor, 2002-2009/2018-2024
- International School of Writing: En'owkin Centre 1999
- Bachelor of Fine Arts, University of Victoria 2002
- Reconciliation Through Education, University of BC 2018
Personal
- Maternal Grandmother: Sarah Captain, Norway House
- Maternal Grandfather: Scribe, Norway House
- Paternal Grandparents: Agnes and Rudolph Olsen, St. Peter's
- Daughter of Eleanor and Gordon Olson (ipan), Peguis
- Sister, cousin, auntie
- Mother of Krista Rose and nokum to Kara Kenzie
writing programs
NAPAT / NIPAT: En'owkin Centre
2002 - 2009 / 2018 - 2024
Creative Writing Instructor
Department Head: Creative Writing
NIPAT Coordinator
Aboriginal Emerging
writers
Banff Centre for the Arts: 2006 /2007/2008
Two week Bilingual residency for 12 emerging Aboriginal writers
Kenanow/UCN
Peguis First Nation: 2010 - 2015
Indigenous Teacher Training
storytelling:
An Evening with
Basil Johnston
Peguis
October 2010
Red Ink Literary Festival
Amerind Museum
Dragoon, Arizona USA
Jan. 21, 2017
Lighting the Fire
Winnipeg, MB
May 10, 2018
NIPAT
Art Show 2019
Add a subheading
2 rvrs remix/Confluence
NIPAT 2023
skelyap 2023: snpinctn bc
Tracey Bonneau
-En’owkin Centre
& Paul Crawford
Add a subheading
Designs by KWO:
Paul Crawford, PAG
Al Simmons, Performer
Julie Fowler, ITA2024
Ignite the Arts Festival
Indigenous Storytelling
Dream Cafe
March 30, 2022
Maria Baptiste
Tori Jaenig,
Ann Doyon
NDN Luv Stories
En'owkin Centre
Feb. 13, 2023
Story:
Wisakachak's Belt
The Burning of Crow
IndigjStory: March 30
Dream Cafe
Ignite the Arts 2023
Lady Crows give gifts
Queen Crow and 3 Lady Crows:
Karen, Tracey Bonneau, Catherine Pierre
& Julie Fowler
Sexy Crow
Serious Crow
Levi Bent,
with Guest KYM GOUCHIE
Fun Crow
Many Mothers
"Seven Skies: Scenes for Tomorrow"
Heritage Park, Calgary AB
July 22 and 23, 2023
with Special Guest
Barbara J. Scott
Opening Night
Linda Gaboriau
TchitalaNyotaKamba
Cheryl Foggo
Susan Oriou
Sherry Letendre
Karen W. Olson
Joan Crate
Rehearsal
&
BOOK LAUNCH
Colours of Spirit
NIPAT 2024
February 13, 2024
En’owkin Centre
ReEmergence of the Peoples
NIPAT 2024
February 16, 2024
Penticton Art Gallery
NIPAT 2024:
Kiyano/Dylan/William
Maggie Denault
MC: Nathanial Arcand
Maria Baptiste
Amanda Wood
Dr. Michelle Jack
Cynthia Jim + family
NIPAT & PAG
With neice Dylan Rochelle Nepinak,
1st year NIPAT
NIPAT 2023/24
with Nathanial Arcand
Julie Fowler,
Artistic Director ITA 2024
RECEnT sHOWs
Levi
Bent
MC:
Tori
Jaenig
Candice
Gabriel
Catherine
Pierre
Karen W.
Olson
cipe
gallery
- Indigenous Arts Productions
- Reconciliation Through Art
CEO/Owner: awanagabweke:
Karen W. Olson
204-770-7904
Indigenous Arts Productions
- Art Shows
- Dance Performance
Reconciliation Through Art
- Call to Action #92
- TRRC
Sweetgrass is one of our sacred medicines,
symbolizing healing and peace.
on the Pow Wow trail
Prairie Thunder Arts
pow wow production
Dance Performance
history of dance
art Shows
Las Vegas NV USA
Heritage Day, 2011
Peguis Pow Wow 1982-1997
(under construction)
Peguis Pow Wow 2015/2016
(under construction)
Personal photos:
Brenda, Karen, Linda
& Pauline, 1961
Karen & Mom, 1957
Rudolph & Agnes Olsen, 1960
contact me:
kwolson14@gmail.com
@ladyk_olson
K Wendy Olson
