Kimberly Johnson-Breen is an Indigenous woman with shared European heritage who is a member of the Cherokee (tsa-la-gi) Nation of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
She trained through the University of Oklahoma and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work with core studies in Indigenous communities. Following her graduation in 2018, she relocated with her family to Ottawa, where she continues to serve as an Indigenous community worker. Kimberly joined St John's with her family in 2019, and continues to walk the path before her, in keeping with the way of "gadugi" - the Cherokee word for caring for each other to promote improvement. Kimberly understands relying on Creator, following Jesus, and participating in traditional ceremonies on her journey. She comes alongside community as invited, to support healing inclusion.
As Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, Kimberly looks after the medicines kept in the prayer space and offers smudging as people enter the church for Sunday worship. Kimberly's focus is to encourage learning, study, and participation in activities that foster living out Truth and Reconciliation.
