My name is Katherine (Gruell) Deak.  I was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, which is located on Treaty 4 territory by many Indigenous tribes. My Ukrainian ancestors while invited immigrants to this land by the Government of Canada, were also initially uninvited guests because this land was legitimately, and rightfully owned by Indigenous peoples. As guests to this Native land, my ancestral families made peace with the Indigenous peoples through mutual respect of their culture and beliefs.  My Ukrainian Grandmother had a trap line at the age of 6, and we know her older sister was taught by Indigenous women how to make clothing and jewelry, which story is told the items were given to a museum to be preserved. 

My Scottish Grandmother was born on an Indigenous reservation. We wish we had similar stories for her family as we do with my Ukrainian ancestors. But we do know that they all lived peacefully with one another. My ancestors were thankful to learn from the Indigenous people whose land they graciously shared and where they made their home.  In many ways they had fundamental beliefs in common - to be one with the Earth, to hold onto culture at all costs, and to exercise caution with the government because of social injustice.  They bonded for many reasons.  This gives me a peaceful feeling how much my ancestors were made to feel welcome.

I have received my Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from Warner Pacific College (now University) in 1994. I have since taught 8.5 years in total - 7.5 in International schools and a year in Bloodvein, Manitoba in an Indigenous community. I have enjoyed teaching in the United States, Portugal, and Saudi Arabia as well as traveling many countries around the world while learning about their cultures

I enjoy genealogy, animals, reading, music, the outdoors, and family!