Joleen Mitton

Our featured speaker for February will be the athlete, advocate, activist, and fashion model Joleen Mitton who will share her inspirational personal story of creativity through the lens of the global theme NATIVE.

Joleen is the founder of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week and co-founder of Supernaturals—the world’s first all-Indigenous modelling agency. Through the organization Urban Butterflies, she helps Indigenous youth in foster care connect with their culture.

Every month we ask our speaker a handful of probing questions to give us a deeper glimpse into their life and relationship with creativity:

How do you define creativity and apply it in your life and career?

As an indigenous woman at the helm of Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week, creativity is not just an abstract concept, but a lived experience and a legacy. It’s the fusion of ancient traditions with modern expressions. In my life and career, creativity is about storytelling - every design, every fabric, every color tells a story of our people, our struggles, and our triumphs. It's a way to keep our culture alive and share it with the world.

Where do you find your best creative inspiration or energy?

A significant portion of my inspiration emanates from my kokum and the people in my surroundings. Much of it arises from a call to action, a desire to make a positive impact. Additionally, a substantial part of my creative energy is derived from the passion and experiences I've encountered throughout my modelling career overseas.

What’s one piece of creative advice or a tip you wish you’d known as a young person?

If I could share a piece of creative advice with my younger self, it would listen to the wisdom of my elders and genuine knowledge keepers. Let them observe and guide me, as my creative talents will unfold naturally. In the midst of the noise of external opinions, trust those who truly know and care about you, as they have your best interests at heart.

Who (living or dead) would you most enjoy hearing speak at CreativeMornings?

I would deeply appreciate the opportunity to hear the wisdom of my mentor, Beau Dick, once more. He served as a profound source of inspiration for me, and I believe that sharing his knowledge would be enriching for others as well.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Jumped off a bridge.

What’s your one guilty creative indulgence?

I watch a lot of old school Anime.

What are you reading these days?

I just finished "The Shoe Boy A Trapline" Memoir By Duncan McGue while on vacation.

What fact about you would surprise people?

I lived in Thailand on and off for 8 years and had dreams of being a monk LOL.

How does your life and career compare to what you envisioned for your future as a sixth grader?

Similar to many sixth graders, my childhood dream was to become a veterinarian. However, over the years, my path has taken a different direction.

How would you describe what you do in a single sentence to a stranger?

Producers of many things and ideas.

What's the most recent thing you learned (big or small)?

I can’t help everyone.

If you could open a door and go anywhere, where would that be?

More vacations. It feels like I’ve opened a lot of doors already.

What keeps you awake at night?

My mind is constantly active, engaged in problem-solving and contemplating the things I want to accomplish.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and what lessons did that person teach you?

The most significant influence on my life has been my Kokum. She imparted invaluable lessons on strength and resilience, shaping me into the person I am today.

What are you proudest of in your life?

That I helped create a safer space for indigenous people on Turtle island. I’ve been the fork in the road for a lot of people.

If you could interview anyone living or dead, but not a celebrity, who would it be and why?

I would choose my Kokum. Despite being deeply ashamed of her past, I am curious to learn how she overcame those challenges and managed to take care of me.

If you could do anything now, what would you do?

Paint and go to art school.

Where was the last place you travelled?

Tulum, Mexico.

What music are you listening to these days?

Lately, I've been immersed in the sounds of Aysanabee. I'm such a big fan that I even brought him to VIFW.

What was the best surprise you’ve experienced so far in life?

I’m 40 and still playing basketball LOL..

Where is your favourite place to escape?

Saipan in Micronesia.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

The encouragement to 'keep going' stands out as the best advice I ever received, especially when it came from my elders and knowledge keepers, affirming that I was the real deal.

What books made a difference in your life and why?

One significant ritual for me is smudging, which involves clearing the space before I begin my creative endeavours.

When you get stuck creatively, what is the first thing you do to get unstuck?

Personally, I turn to prayer, reflect on photos of my Kokum and past works, and take walks.

If you had fifteen extra minutes each day, what would you do with them?

Sleep.

What has been one of your biggest Ah-Ha! moments in life?.
Around the age of 18 or 19, I realized that much of the rat race doesn't hold true significance; instead, it's the embrace of culture that truly matters.

What object would you put in a time capsule that best represents who you are today?

A basketball, Sage, ribbon skirt and a NAS CD

What is the one movie or book every creative must see/read?

The defiant ones.