Caroline Araujo Pinheiro da Costa

Biography

I am a mother and a communications professional working in a social services agency in British Columbia, where I support community programs with clear, accessible, and culturally informed communication. I also work as an interpreter for diverse South American communities, helping bridge language, culture, and service access for individuals navigating complex systems. I acknowledge my presence as an uninvited guest on Syilx Okanagan territory and approach my work with respect, responsibility, and relational accountability.

I was born in the deep south of Pindorama, the Tupi name for Brazil, and I am a single daughter of mixed ancestry. My life and work are shaped by the knowledge systems, histories, and cultural resilience of the peoples of Abya Yala. My background in human rights communication, journalism, and culturally oriented wellness practices informs my commitment to justice, collective care, and the regeneration of relationships.

I maintain long-standing collaborations with Indigenous communities across Abya Yala through my store, partnering directly with families, artisans, and knowledge keepers. Each product I offer is sourced through reciprocal and transparent relationships rooted in community values, cultural preservation, and Indigenous-led economic sustainability.

For the past three years, I have served as a board member of Inspired Word Café, a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization offering literary programming in the Okanagan. Through open mics, slams, youth mentorship, workshops, and community events, I contribute to strengthening cultural vitality and creating accessible spaces for diverse voices. My involvement reflects my dedication to community-building, artistic expression, and spaces where people can speak and be heard.

I bring a multifaceted perspective shaped by social justice, cultural diversity, and the ways of knowing of the peoples of Abya Yala. My leadership is guided by humility, accountability, and a deep commitment to community empowerment and reconciliation.

Education and Experience

Journalism: I graduated as a communicator from the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing in Brazil, seeking to give voice to social and environmental issues. In Canada, I received my Associate of Arts degree from Okanagan College.
Doula: As a certified doula, I have the honor of accompanying mothers on their birth and postpartum journey, offering emotional and physical support.
Yoga and Meditation Instructor: My practice as a yoga and meditation instructor is an extension of my search for physical, spiritual and emotional well-being, combining ancestral knowledge with contemporary approaches.
Medicinal Plant Circles Facilitator: My work with power plants is a way to honor the traditions of the original people of Abya Yala and offer a safe space for spiritual reconnection within the postmodern context.

Philosophy and Approach:

I believe in a trauma-informed approach and harm reduction as pathways to regenerating relationships and building a sustainable future on Earth. As a Latina living outside of my birth land, I understand the importance of positionality and understanding intersectionality in every service offered. My work is based on promoting social justice, valuing cultural diversity and promoting a worldview that respects all forms of life.