Click here for video of Karen sharing why community research is meaningful to her.
My name is Karen Prouse (nee Duchesne). I was born in Fort Nelson, BC, to a French, Cree, Dene, Scottish Mother and a French-Canadian Father.
I worked as an Administrative Assistant for 31+ years upon my early retirement in September of 2020. Some of my professional roles included: Camp Cook, Baker, Receptionist, Executive Assistant, School Administrative Assistant, Corporate Secretary for Legislative Services, Cemetery Administrative Assistant and Recreation and Leisure Administrative Assistant. My positions have given me a wide variety of experience in technology and dealing with people.
I have been involved in Metis organizations for most of my life in a variety of roles. To name a few: Secretary, Treasurer, Director at Large and membership coordinator. I was also a Board member for the Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Centre for a term.
My grandparents lived a traditional lifestyle for most of their lives. Hunting, trapping and providing for their large family. My grandfather was a well-known and respected ‘bush man’, who could build a camp in the bush with little to no supplies. My grandmother was knowledgeable in traditional medicine and was always willing to share her knowledge. Some of my fondest memories with my grandmother included time spent picking berries and gathering plants and herbs for medicinal purposes. My grandparents always set up a hunting camp in the fall, and everyone was always welcome.
Core Values and Philosophy
I believe that every job is important no matter how small. I believe we all have something important to contribute. Without the mundane and hard work we cannot get to where we want to be.
I am excited to be a part of the BCMF Research Community and feel that my background and experience will be an asset to the team. I am excited to continue my research training and to be able to get started in my home community interviewing and archiving of history. The technology we will be using will be valuable in documenting our Metis history. This technology will ensure that these stories will be told for generations and that future generations will be able to access and add their own stories.
I look forward to working with the research team and in my home community! All my relations.
Karen Prouse