RECONCILIATION
SPEAKERS BUREAU
ASHLEY CLARK
The founder of Bougie Birch, is a Bear Clan member of the Wahta Mohawk community, who turned personal adversity into a transformative journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous heritage through art. Combining her artistic passion with over a decade of business experience, she created Bougie Birch as an expression of resilience and decolonization, while also volunteering with organizations like Amnesty International and Habitat for Humanity and leveraging her expertise in digital media and public speaking to inspire others.
MY STORY
My name is Ashley Katonhetsheri:io, and I proudly call Ottawa, Ontario home, with ancestral roots in the Bear Clan of the Wahta Mohawk community in Muskoka, Ontario. My journey began with a moment of self-discovery during a challenging time in my life, where, after losing my job and facing physical obstacles, I found healing and strength by reconnecting with my Indigenous heritage. This turning point led to the creation of Bougie Birch, a reflection of my passion for art and my dedication to cultural identity.
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From a young age, my parents nurtured my artistic spirit, instilling in me a deep connection to nature and creativity. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I saw it as an opportunity to blend my artistic abilities with my business experience, leading to the birth of Bougie Birch as a means of personal decolonization through art. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience as a leader, from my role as a Hospitality Manager to founding Bougie Birch, where I’ve focused on community-driven projects and business growth.
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With a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Carleton University and a minor in Indigenous Studies, I’ve always been committed to my personal and professional growth. I’m also passionate about giving back, volunteering with organizations like Amnesty International and Habitat for Humanity, and using my digital skills and social media to engage and inspire diverse audiences. Through my journey, I’ve learned the power of embracing one’s heritage and the transformative potential of art, and I hope my story serves as a source of inspiration for others to explore their own cultural pride and resilience.