Katie Johnson | Bella Elite | May 7, 2020

Join Yukon entrepreneur Lasänmą (Katie Johnson), member of Kluane First Nation, Wolf Clan, as she talks about her career bringing people together and creating opportunities for indigenous artists. Katie owns the event planning company Bella Elite and is the Director of Arts and Producer for the Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association (YFNCTA).

(2:28) Katie talks about accepting that because of Covid-19 events have all been postponed, including the signature event of YFNCTA the Adäka Festival (https://adakafestival.ca/). The plan for Adäka this year was to have a celebration of nations and invite all of Canada to come to the Yukon... but with the pandemic those plans are on hold. She talks about the importance of reflection, really planning things out and looking for opportunities to do things better.

(5:50) Katie talks about co-creating and how she sees work not as a career but as a calling. Taking time to reflect and ensure that any of the work she does is aligned to who she is as an indigenous woman and her values -- strength, resiliency and connection. She sees a lot of inspiration in the co-creation that she's seeing happening in the world right now.

(6:50) Katie talks about being flexible and open to what's happening... and checking in with yourself and the people in your life.

(7:35) Katie reflects on how the Yukon is a close-knit community and how respectfully we're all dealing with these restrictions and this new normal. She acknowledges that this is all just so new for us -- we're being asked to learn new things everyday and doing our best -- as we all learn together.

(9:05) The YFNCTA team is currently developing a 3-6 month plan for how they can fulfill their mission and vision of helping indigenous artists, helping businesses, helping community and creating a safe and supportive place.

(11:10) Katie talks about the importance of relationships and finding opportunities for collaboration. She talks about how our approach to how we do our work is everything and staying centered in kindness and respect.

(12:55) Katie talks about how she's working to stay grounded through all of this transition and balancing all of her commitments (daughter, mother, sister, worker). She talks about connecting with the land as feeding her soul. She is really mindful of mind, body and spirit and slowing things down to accept what is. She also finds strength in connecting with family -- even though it's virtually or through the phone.

(14:55) Katie talks about acknowledging the people in our life and letting go and embracing the unknown. She talks about focusing on doing our best every day and not being too hard on ourselves.

(16:00) Katie's advice to artists right now? Ask for help. Yukon First Nations Culture and Tourism Association exists to help support indigenous artists and businesses.

(19:30) Katie loves how much sharing that his happening through social media. She's been learning a lot each day by looking for learning circles and hearing messages from respected Elders through virtual spaces.

(20:35) Katie acknowledges how lucky we are to live in the Yukon -- especially seeing how hard everyone is working here in our communities to ensure we're all safe. She's seeing resilience and strength in action right now in Yukoners.

(21:45) Katie talks about loving all of the guided meditations she's finding online. She's also reading daily from Richard Wagamese's book "Embers" (https://www.macsbooks.ca/?searchtype=...) and having fun going biking and hiking with her daughter.