North Star Acupuncture

I was raised in Fruitvale, BC - a small, mountain town in the West Kootenays, on unceded Sinixnt Territory.  

I grew up on a farm, and it was through that privilege that I developed a deep respect and love for animals and the mountains in which I was fortunate enough to grow up among.

Acupuncture came into my life at a time when I really needed it to.  

Being an adoptee and not knowing my medical history, made the health issues I was navigating very challenging for both myself, and my parents while I was growing up.  

After my first few acupuncture treatments, my health had significantly improved- not only my physical health, but my mental health, as well.  It was a very life altering time for me; being listened to, and experiencing my body changing positively was incredibly empowering.

 

 

Throughout my 20s I went back to school; first to become a dental assistant, and then to finish an Associate of Arts degree. I worked in the service industry in Vancouver, and spent seven years in the silviculture industry.   Throughout those years, I was constantly finding acupuncture clinics wherever I was so I could feel more balanced, less achy and more 'myself'.  

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A few years ago I made the decision to become an acupuncturist.

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​I became a guest on Lekwungen lands, in so called Victoria, as I was fortunate enough to study at Pacific Rim College.  One of my instructors told us at the beginning of the first day that the largest life changes were prone to happening throughout our time in the program, and he was definitely right. I began the search for my biological family, and two years into the program at Pacific Rim, I made contact with them.  

By year three, I had uncovered all of my family members, on both sides.  It was emotionally exhausting, but it made me realize, as an Afro-Indigenous person, how much we all need community, community care and community support at all of life's stages. ​​​​​

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The name, North Star, is an ode to my families.  Firstly, to my adopted family, for finding me, and for giving me the life I had.  

And secondly, to the biological matriarchs who gave me life.  

My great-grandmother, grandmother, and now, my mother, are all laid to rest together in North Star, Alberta; which is a small hamlet in northern Alberta.

And for this connection it is my reason for choosing this name to represent how I honour my past and continue with my future.  

I've found my way back to them- finally back to my communities, and

I am happy that you have found yourself here.

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 **Acupuncture  is not a medicine that my ancestors practiced, and I realize the privilege and responsibility that I have while practicing this ancient healing modality.  

This medicine has helped me greatly throughout my life, and I have a deep respect for its all encompassing nature of healing and well being.**