By: Valerie Diamond

Paul K.A.S.P. Sawan, as quoted, is a “Cree Motivational Speaker, Facilitator, Multi Award Winning HipHop Artist.”. K.A.S.P. shared his story growing up as a child in foster care, fostered to be an addict, who later in his young adulthood found his cure for a long life through hip hop. Today, K.A.S.P. promotes wellness in sobriety and self-expression through the arts by listening to Indigenous youth, because they matter in every way.  

 K.A.S.P. refers to himself as an urban helper who wants to live by example to motivate Indigenous youth mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically to unlearn disrespect and harm, so they may be the best version of themselves by simply being “not normal” through one hundred percent sobriety, as self-expressing Indigenous people, in an industry of alcohol and drug consumption.

 For the youth interested in pursuing post secondary? “Read, read, read and show up.” Listening to the elders share their teachings from the land and medicines are key practices to prepare for the future, because higher education can never be taken away and is an initiative to invest wellness in self. 

 Leading by example through sobriety, listening, self-expression, education and showing up are always good medicines to help youth on the right path mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically regardless of the trauma they face(d).  K.A.S.P also mentioned going outdoors for a walk and physical exercise in the gym, and in nature will always be a healthy medicine from any diagnosis.

 K.A.S.Ps social media and new music may be found here: https://linktr.ee/KASPSAWAN?fbclid=IwAR3zMCP-OZFsQIOBccyVXAZ25dgR57JykAJrW8w8twfW8DMnDl3l35RVXyo