Tansi! My name is Syndel Thomas Kozar. I’m a Two-Spirit, neurodivergent, Néhiyaw (Plains Cree) and white settler artist, storyteller, program facilitator, and advocate living in Melfort, Saskatchewan on Treaty 6 Territory. I’m a proud band member of One Arrow First Nation, a neurodivergent mother, and a lifelong learner currently completing a Bachelor of Arts Double Honours in Indigenous Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, with a minor in English and a Certificate in the Study of Indigenous Storytelling.

Art is the heart of my work, it’s how I teach, connect, and hold space for hard conversations and healing across both Indigenous and settler communities. Raised by my Granny and Papa, who are residential and day school survivors, I carry their stories and strength into everything I do. Through workshops in rural and urban Saskatchewan, I use practices like beading, dot painting, and storywork to spark dialogue around identity, justice, and community care- sharing the dreams they weren’t always allowed to carry and helping others find their own voice along the way.

To honour Shannen Koostachin’s legacy, I’m developing an art workshop rooted in her story, something I’ll continue offering as part of my ongoing programming. It’s a way to help youth reflect on their rights, their voices, and their power to ignite change, just like Shannen did.