Joyce Clouston

July 2022

I am a writer and social worker. My mother was of Metis ancestry whose ancestors of mixed Cree and Orkney/Scots heritage supported Riel. My father’s family were blacksmiths and stonemasons. I have begun to develop writing to encourage healing though art to broad audiences. Joining my daughter in creating opportunities to reach larger audiences brings joy. Karen Sunabacka, my daughter and collaborator in some of the work I plan to complete, will join me part of the residency. My writing focuses on my childhood experience close to land, and Karen draws on her passion for the wilderness through leadership in children’s camping and canoeing, as well as connecting to the lively community of our extended family in the heart of the Metis Nation.