About Us
Gwizhii Institute of Learning was founded to meet the need for trauma-informed, culturally grounded approaches in workplaces, communities, and systems across Canada. Too often, organizations struggle with conflict, disclosures of harm, or systemic barriers without the tools to respond with dignity, safety, and reconciliation.
Karen’s experience includes a well-established dispute resolution practice rooted in her formal education, lived experience, and traditional knowledge passed down through her Tetlit Gwich’in heritage.
Drawing on her experience as Senior Counsel with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), Karen Snowshoe (K.C.) saw how trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices could transform interactions. She built, trained, and led a national team of statement gatherers who conducted trauma-informed interviews across Canada.
Karen takes a decolonial approach to learning, which honors her own lived experience as well as the lived experience of her family, community, and thousands of trauma survivors Karen has supported over the years.
Through consulting, coaching, and workshops, we partner with individuals and organizations to:
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- Build capacity in trauma-informed leadership and dispute resolution.
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Foster reconciliation by integrating Indigenous perspectives and practices.
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Create safer, more respectful spaces for learning, working, and growing together.
At its heart, Gwizhii exists to help people learn with care, resolve with confidence, and reconcile with purpose.
Karen is a highly sought-after educator in trauma-informed practice. Her custom workshops on Indigenous Reconciliation and Trauma-Informed Practice have garnered widespread acclaim for inspiring participants to engage in reconciliation in a way that honours the humanity and dignity of all.
Karen was appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.) in British Columbia in 2022. The prestigious K.C. designation recognizes lawyers who have made exceptional contributions to the legal profession and have distinguished themselves through their counsel, teaching contributions, publications, advocacy, and volunteerism. Karen was one of only thirty B.C. lawyers who received the designation. Gwizhii is proud to be led by a mentor who has been the voice of many across Canada.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the administrative justice community, Karen also received the BC Council of Administrative Tribunals Award in 2023. The award honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to administrative justice.
In 2025, Karen Snowshoe (K.C.) was named the recipient of the Law Society Award, which honours the lifetime contributions of truly exceptional members of the legal profession. This award recognizes individuals who demonstrate integrity, professional achievement, service, and leadership in law reform.
The Law Society Award is given primarily for contributions to the advancement of the legal profession and the law, while also considering broader public service. Karen’s work in advancing trauma-informed and culturally grounded dispute resolution, as well as her lifelong commitment to reconciliation and public service, reflect the spirit of this honour.
Karen has been a long-time resident on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, today known as Vancouver. She also lived and worked in Canada’s north (the Yukon and the Northwest Territories) for 14 years.
Every journey starts with a first step — toward learning, healing, and reconciliation. We’re here to walk with you.
Ready to begin YOUR journey?