Northwind Creative Healing
Holistic Wellbeing Through Art Therapy
Welcome to Northwind Creative Healing Studio, where client-led support is foundational. As a Métis art therapist with strong ties to my Dené culture, I emphasize the importance of holistic well-being, striving for balance among the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of self. Whether you seek to explore past traumas, uncover the roots of anxiety or other mental illnesses, deepen your connection to culture, identity, or self—or simply learn to embrace the present moment and find joy—we can collaboratively harness art as a powerful tool to achieve your therapeutic goals.
Get to Know the Art Therapist
Kendra Montgrand, BA(Hons), DKATI
Métis Art Therapist/Artist
Kendra is a recent graduate from the Kutenai Art Therapy Institute. A Métis art therapist, and growing up in Northern Saskatchewan and surrounded by nature, Kendra emphasizes the importance that the natural world plays in the mind/body connection and achieving balance and overall wellbeing.
​
Her experience as an Indigenous woman, growing up close to community and culture, Kendra understands the complexities that many Indigenous peoples face as the result of violent colonial histories and intergenerational trauma, and the importance of (re)connecting to one's traditional roots.
​
By using art to gain connection and pursue her own healing, Kendra’s passions include dabbling in the many artforms, especially traditional artforms, such as beading and working with natural materials, as well as cooking, and spending time outdoors either camping or going for walks with her dog.
​
Beyond her artistic foundation, Kendra minored in Psychology during her undergraduate studies and later obtained an Early Childhood Education Level 1 certificate. She possesses years of experience supporting children and families involved with the Ministry of Social Services across various settings, including group homes, supported living environments, and educational settings. Her expertise extends to working with diverse demographics of families, as well as individuals of all developmental skill levels.​
Working from an anti-oppressive and trauma-informed lens, Kendra aims to support others through the creative process as they develop tools and navigate their own paths to healing, connecting, and acceptance.
​
Kendra 's Therapeutic Approach
Holistic Care
Mind-Body Connection
Indigenous approaches to art therapy enrich creative expression by emphasizing culture and community. These methodologies allow individuals to explore their identities through traditional practices, fostering healing and. By honoring ancestral heritage, this holistic approach promotes mental well-being and meaningful storytelling.
Strengths-Based
Personal Growth and Vitality
Strengths-based art therapy focuses on individuals' strengths rather than challenges. Through creative expression, clients explore emotions and build confidence in a supportive environment. This approach empowers personal growth and resilience, harnessing talents for positive change in their lives.
Trauma-Informed, Culturally Competent
Empathy and Inclusivity
Trauma-informed art therapy is a method that utilizes creative expression to assist individuals in healing from. By fostering a safe environment, it allows clients to delve into their feelings and experiences through artistic mediums. This approach not only self-expression, resilience, and emotional well-being but also emphasizes the importance of cultural competence. A culturally competent approach ensures that therapy is respectful and responsive to the diverse backgrounds of clients, facilitating deeper connections and more effective healing for those impacted by trauma. (Read more about Culturally Competent Art Therapy).