From Kawacatoose to Distinction: Rich Unk and Dopest Natives Alive Congratulate Jeanna Lee Poorman Edenshaw
There are people who seek recognition, and there are people who quietly dedicate themselves to becoming the best version of themselves while uplifting everyone around them. Jeanna Lee Poorman Edenshaw belongs to the latter.
Nearly two decades ago, a young Indigenous woman from Kawacatoose First Nation in Saskatchewan arrived in Vancouver searching for a new path in life. Like many who leave their home communities in pursuit of opportunity, healing, growth, and purpose, she stepped into an unfamiliar world carrying hopes, dreams, and the strength of the people who came before her.
Around 2007, I first began seeing Jeanna around Vancouver's Indigenous community. She was involved in the Indigenous hip-hop scene and spent time among many of the artists, youth workers, and community members who were working to create positive change in the city.
When I eventually had the opportunity to get to know her, I recognized something special.
Seeing Gifts Before They See Themselves
At the time, I was developing a youth initiative called Creating Healthy Aboriginal Role Models, a program designed to support vulnerable Indigenous youth living in East Vancouver and the Downtown Eastside. The program focused on helping young people see positive examples of Indigenous leadership, resilience, and success.
I approached Jeanna about becoming involved.
At first, she was unsure of what she could contribute. She had little experience in that type of work and questioned whether she was the right person for the opportunity.
But sometimes others can see our gifts before we can see them ourselves.
I told her that she had something important to offer our young women. I believed she possessed qualities that could inspire others simply through her example. I encouraged her to trust herself, trust the journey, and trust that the spirit would guide her.
As time would prove, it certainly did.
A Story Unfolding Behind the Scenes
Over the years, life carried us in different directions, but our paths continued to cross throughout the Indigenous community. While many people knew Jeanna through community events, artistic projects, and cultural gatherings, there was a much larger story quietly unfolding behind the scenes.
She met and married Derek Manik Edenshaw, and together they built a beautiful family. Through the years, they raised their children while continuing to contribute to Indigenous culture and community in meaningful ways.
Many people also came to know Jeanna through Ovoid Clan, the innovative Indigenous clothing line she helped create alongside Derek. Their work blended Northwest Coast Indigenous art, contemporary fashion, and urban Indigenous culture into something unique and exciting.
Using creative bleaching techniques and incorporating Indigenous design elements into apparel, Ovoid Clan quickly developed a reputation for producing clothing that resonated with Indigenous youth and artists. The brand reflected identity, creativity, and pride while helping demonstrate that Indigenous fashion could be both culturally grounded and boldly contemporary.
Pursuing a Goal, Quietly
While many people saw the entrepreneur, artist, mother, and community member, another chapter of Jeanna's story was unfolding quietly in the background.
Without seeking attention.
Without announcing every accomplishment.
Without asking for recognition.
She was pursuing higher education.
Course by course. Semester by semester. Year by year.
Balancing family responsibilities, community commitments, and the challenges of everyday life, she remained focused on a goal that would require years of dedication and sacrifice.
Anyone who has pursued post-secondary education understands the commitment it requires. To do so while raising a family, maintaining responsibilities, and navigating life's many obstacles requires an entirely different level of determination.
Many people begin the journey.
Far fewer complete it.
A Remarkable Milestone
Today, Jeanna Lee Poorman Edenshaw has achieved a remarkable milestone by earning her degree in Psychology with Distinction.
This accomplishment represents far more than academic success.
It represents perseverance. It represents resilience. It represents discipline.
It represents countless late nights, difficult decisions, and sacrifices made in pursuit of a larger vision.
It represents choosing growth over comfort and purpose over distraction.
Most importantly, it represents a commitment to becoming a stronger person for her family, her community, and future generations.
"Sometimes success is built quietly through consistency, sacrifice, and determination. One class at a time. One challenge at a time. One positive decision at a time."
Education as Medicine
For Indigenous people, education has always been about more than individual achievement. Knowledge is something we carry back to our families, our communities, and our Nations. Education becomes a tool for healing, advocacy, leadership, and transformation.
Jeanna's achievement stands as a powerful example for Indigenous youth — especially young Indigenous women who may be wondering whether their goals are attainable.
Her story reminds us that success does not always happen loudly.
Her journey from Kawacatoose First Nation to Vancouver, from community volunteer to entrepreneur, from young role model to psychology graduate with distinction, reflects the very best of what is possible when talent is matched with perseverance.
A Message From Rich Unk & DNA
Rich Unk and the entire Dopest Natives Alive family extend our heartfelt congratulations to Jeanna Lee Poorman Edenshaw on this incredible achievement.
We celebrate not only the degree she has earned, but the strength, character, resilience, and determination that carried her there.
Your journey demonstrates what is possible when vision is matched with hard work, when sacrifice is matched with purpose, and when Indigenous women lead by example.
We wish you continued success as you pursue the next chapter of your educational and professional journey. We look forward to witnessing the impact you will undoubtedly make as you bring your knowledge, experience, compassion, and education back into our communities.
The future is brighter because of Indigenous women like Jeanna.
Congratulations on this well-earned accomplishment.
Your family is proud. Your Nation is proud. Your community is proud.
And your journey will inspire many others to follow in your footsteps.
— Rich Unk & Dopest Natives Alive