01/22/2020
FYI
My name is Kevin Kunkel. I am Mohawk from Tyendinaga Territory where I live today and I sit with the Bear Clan in the longhouse. I try to live my life the traditional Haudenosaunee way as much as I can and also follow my limited teachings of the Anishinabek way of life. I recently started pow wow dancing and have made my entire regalia which I proudly display on the pow wow trail. Both my parents are Mohawk and are as well from Tyendinaga.
My work experience has been in law enforcement for nearly 30 years as a police officer, correctional officer, and finally as a correctional manager. I advocated, supported, participated, and guided indigenous ceremonies within the prison system. I participated in all of them as well including numerous sweat lodges with the native offenders.
Since leaving the prison system, I have been advocating, assisting, and helping youth and adults at risk of heading down a misguided path. I also try to help indigenous people understand and reach their full potential in personal and social development.
I am currently in my final semester at FNTI (First Nations Technical Institute) in the social service worker program and will be volunteering at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre through Queen’s University.
My goal is to hold cultural workshops, seminars, events, and activities that will help indigenous students at Queens understand the culture and assist them through their indigenous path and journey in life.