Sharon Karsten

Dr. Sharon Karsten is honoured to have lived and worked in Coast Salish, Laichwiltach and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Territories over the past 15 years. As a community-engaged researcher active, since 2019, in issues around the toxic drug and housing crises in small communities, Karsten is honoured to have worked alongside elders, peers, srtists and outreach workers in developing holistic research methodologies and sharing practices. She serves as coordinator of Walk With Me – a community-engaged research initiative designed to uncover possibilities for community wellness amidst many layers of crisis. The Walk With Me team has been brought into acute care, education and community settings throughout Vancouver Island and beyond, with intent to spur systems change and counter stigma. This team is honoured to have received powerful insights and wisdom that is helping to inform change. Karsten holds a PhD in Communication from Simon Fraser University, and has served as director of non-profit arts organizations. She is grateful to be working in solidarity with many others towards the cultivation of critical change.