Writer, Indigenous Cultural Carrier and Social Worker

My childhood home in the heart of the Red River Métis Nation near Selkirk, Manitoba was surrounded by aspen forests, sloughs and meadows, alive with colour and song. I lived within the embrace of a large extended family that included both the lively dance and storytelling of my mother's family, and the austere Orkney-British roots of my father's. Cultural differences were transcended through my parents' shared love of music. They formed a band as teenagers that ended when they joined the armed forces at the start of WWII. During the war years, both experienced trauma as well as enlarged visions of life's possibilities. Caring well for each other, sharing farm chores, and excelling in education were values guiding our family of seven siblings. Summer-green landscapes, brilliant colours of autumn, and star-studded skies on wintry nights, marked the seasons. Evenings were filled with music and dance. Out of these beginnings the importance of contributing to the welfare of the larger community led me to social work, clinical practice with children with special needs, and writing.     

In collaborative work with Karen, I enjoy integrating the values and lively landscapes of childhood with ongoing research, study and reflections affirming our mixed heritage.  

Collaborative works with daughter Karen Sunabacka can be found here.