Valerie (Val) Kinistino is a proud member of Ochapowace Nation in Treaty 4 Territory and a deeply respected Elder, artist, and advocate for Indigenous traditions and food sovereignty. Val was born at home in a mud shack crafted by her family on Treaty 4 Territory, where her early life was rooted in the land, water, and community. Her parents, Rosalie and Laurence Kinistino, were water diviners and avid gardeners, instilling in her a profound connection to Mother Earth.

As a young woman, Val sought deeper understanding through ceremony and education, learning from Elders, artists, and knowledge keepers across Canada. Her work as an artist is intertwined with her passion for Treaty advocacy, using creativity to raise awareness about the cultural and spiritual ties to the land. A dedicated grandmother and great-grandmother, Val continues to teach the importance of ceremony, self-identity, and the transfer of knowledge to future generations.

Val’s activism, storytelling, and art are a testament to her unwavering commitment to the protection of water, the preservation of cultural traditions, and the well-being of her community. Her journey, from tending family gardens as a child to advocating for food sovereignty and Indigenous rights today, inspires all who meet her. Val embodies the spirit of resilience and hope, working tirelessly to secure a better future for the generations yet to come.

Learn more about Val and the Ochapawace Community Garden here!
Bringing back our hands in Mother Earth: Ochapowace First Nations Community Garden | NCIAF