Kassidy and Kaylyn

Kassidy Bernard
They/Them/Nekm pronouns

Co-Owner

Bachelor of Design, 2019 (NSCAD University)
Major in Interdisciplinary Design, Minor in Illustration

Kwe’! I’m an L’nu (Mi’kmaq) and Scottish Gael Two-Spirit youth from We’koqma’q, Unama’ki (the seventh district of Mi’kma’ki). In my 25 years of life, I have sought opportunities for growth and connection in the communities I’m a part of–which I’d consider to include the L’nu, Two-Spirit (2SLGBTQIA+), and creative communities.

My creative work is informed by my lived experience, instruction in classrooms, and by anti-oppressive practices. I value unlearning colonial standards to make room for my L’nu worldview which prioritizes humour, rest, and community care. This is something I try to reflect on in my life–whether that is in relationships; in my creative pursuits like design, illustration, writing, crafting, photography, and podcasting; or how I form opinions and habits.

The experiences during my role as Indigenous Rep and then President (2016-2020) at the Student Union of NSCAD University have helped shape my leadership skills and critical thinking. It was here that I blossomed, thanks to the beautiful and supportive community of friends that formed around me.

After five years of post-secondary education in the Bachelor of Design program at NSCAD University, and an additional year of living there, I moved back home from Kjipuktuk (Halifax, NS). Three moves later, I’m happily living in my late godmother’s house with my younger sister, at the foot of Apitusa’, the mountain that looks over the lake of We’koqma’q First Nation.

Now, in addition to being a co-owner of Patuo’kn Illustration and Design with my older sister Kaylyn, I hold an elected role through the Canadian Federation of Students; as Indigenous Rep for CFS-NS.

See Kassidy’s brief resume here.

Kaylyn Bernard
She/Her pronouns

Co-Owner

Certificate in Applied Media & Communication Arts, 2014 (NSCC)
Diploma in Graphic Design, 2016 (NSCC)

Kwe’, me’telwelein? Ni’n teluisi Kaylyn Bernard, nutjewijik Robert Bernard aqq Kelly (Walker). Nutj wutjewijik Saln Bernard aqq Rose (Smith). Kutj wutjewijik Vincent Walker aqq Jean (MacDonald). Wetapeksi P’lna’laq, Smithaq, Paulaq, Googooaq, Gouldaq (Nutj) - Walkeraq, MacDonaldaq, Beatonaq aqq Matchettaq (Kutj). Tleiawi We’koqma’q - We’kopa’q, miawe’k etek Unama’ki, Mi’kma’ki.

Hi, how are you? My name is Kaylyn Bernard, my parents are Robert Bernard and Kelly (Walker). My father’s parents are Saln (Charlie) Bernard and Rose (Smith). My mother’s parents are Vincent Walker and Jean (MacDonald). I descend from the Bernards, the Smiths, the Pauls, the Googoos, the Goulds (Dad) - the Walkers, the MacDonalds, the Beatons, and the Matchetts (Mom). I live in We’koqma’q/Where the Ice Ends - We’kopa’q/Where the Water Ends, in the middle of Unama’ki/Land of the Fog, Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaq territory). 

My ancestry is a beautiful mix of peoples who all have strong roots connecting to the natural cyclical way of living with the Land. I’ve been blessed with growing up experiencing a range of cultures with rich traditions, teachings, art, music, and community life. I was raised in our L’nu communities here in Unama’ki, surrounded by beautiful mountains, forests, water and wildlife. My family’s clan (Bernard/P’lna’l) is the Fox/Wowkwis clan. I’m a granddaughter, daughter, sister and dedicated mother to my son Rory/Lo’li.

I tend to the Land and Spirit, and I’m a herbalist in training. I’m also a multi-sport athlete, crafter, and avid knowledge seeker. I’ve expressed myself creatively since I was a young child - always observing and learning anything that I could, so I’ve experimented with a variety of different mediums over the years. I’m thankful to have been born into kind, creative families who have fostered those traits within my siblings and I from the beginning.

I’m proud of my mixed ancestry, and blend traditions from my Ancestors together to honour them and guide my path in life. I hold great value in the preservation and daily practice of our L’nu culture and language, and work together with my family to bring our traditional ways back into our daily life. We carry these same values into our work at Patuo’kn - as Co-Owner along with my sibling Kassidy, it is important to us to incorporate our L’nu ways into the work that we do, and we love to collaborate with our communities to work on revitalization.

My post-secondary education was through NSCC where I received my Certificate in Applied Media and Communication Arts, my Diploma in Graphic Design, as well as briefly explored Print Production and Information Technology. Before launching Patuo’kn with Kassidy, I did freelance work for a few years working with small businesses and organizations such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. I also enjoyed a position at Maupeltuewey Kina'matno'kuom’s Mi’kmaw Language Department as their Mi’kmaw Language Graphic Designer/Illustrator. My continued education lies within my time with our Elders, knowledge keepers, little Elders (children), peers, and my time connecting with the Land. I am thankful for the journey I’m on, the work I get to create and the connections with the people we’ve crossed paths with along the way.

See Kaylyn’s brief resume here.