Creativity as a path to healing and hope

Fort Garry

Carol Smith, a proud member of the Peguis First Nation, has turned her lifelong struggles into a source of inspiration for others. Through her unique workshops on junk journaling and driftwood art, Smith helps children, youth, and adults discover hidden talents and reclaim their sense of purpose.

Junk journaling is a creative art form whereby you upcycle and repurpose keepsakes – such as pages from a book, ticket stubs from concerts you attended or trips you went on, fabric scraps from favourite clothing items – and turn them into a scrapbook.

“My gift of creativity is what motivates me to offer these workshops. I have put the content together from my own experiences,” Smith explained. Her programs are designed not only to teach artistic skills but also to provide a safe space for healing.

“If I can help others to find their gifts that are hidden behind trauma, that is the goal,” she said.

Smith’s journey has been marked by resilience. She has faced mental health challenges for most of her life, and credits her recovery to faith and the act of creating. “

One of the major ways of healing was to create,” she said. This personal transformation drives her mission to inspire others.

“I want to be an inspiration, proving that no matter what we struggle with, there is hope.”

Smith’s experience working with children and youth spans decades, including roles as a daycare worker, summer camp leader, outreach worker, and Sunday school teacher. She also worked in a specialized home for children and youth for 10 years. These roles have shaped her understanding of the need for relatable mentors.

“Children and youth desperately need someone that can relate to them on all levels,” Smith emphasized.

She said her workshops have already shown positive results. Participants report feeling empowered and more connected to their creativity. Smith hopes to expand these programs to benefit both on-reserve and off-reserve communities.

“My long-term goal is to teach and share the gifts that I have as an artist to further the well-being of our community,” she said, underscoring the transformative power of art.

For Smith, creativity is more than an artistic endeavor; it’s a lifeline, a message of hope, and a bridge to community healing.

Please contact Carol Smith for more details about her products and services: kaerelsmith@gmail.com