Karen Bernard is a Mi’kmaw cultural educator and designer based in Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia. She is widely recognized for her dedication to preserving and sharing the teachings of the peak cap, a sacred symbol of Mi’kmaw womanhood. Since receiving her teachings from Elder Jane Meader, Karen has empowered other women through the creation of peak cap bundles—tools for teaching and cultural transmission. Her business, Evening Star Vision Designs, offers hand-crafted regalia and culturally grounded workshops that foster pride and cultural knowledge.
Karen’s artistic offerings include ribbon skirts, dress coats, leather belts, and ribbon shirts, many of which incorporate Mi’kmaw symbolism and designs cut using Cricut and heat-transfer techniques. She partners with communities and organizations to deliver workshops where participants learn the spiritual and practical aspects of peak cap creation. She also contributes to Indigenous publishing by writing legends for Nelson Education in Toronto.
Through her creative work and cultural teachings, Karen creates spaces for connection, learning, and empowerment—especially for women—while honouring the traditional knowledge passed down to her.
“My biggest success was creating bundles for women to share the teachings of the peak caps. I’m very proud of me—and of them—for creating their own.” – Karen
Prayers and Ceremony | Storytelling
Mi’kmaw Language Speaker | Mi’kmaw Language Learner | Cultural Education / Reconciliation Training / Consulting Services
Harvest
Designer | Writer: I do legends for Nelson Education in Toronto
Mi’kmaw Numeracy, Engineering, & Math
Sport and Culture
