Julia Kozak is an Indigenous artist and dancer. Organizers for the Papal Visit approached her to create a design for the Holy Father to wear during his celebration of the Holy Mass in Edmonton.
She discerned along with her husband Adam how to bring forth her gift of talent and tradition. They wanted to help share healing and promote reconciliation in harmony with their faith.
Julia incorporated traditional beadwork and stitching, with prayers for blessing and healing as she created the design. Her hope is that her message resonates, and that spending this effort assists people in choosing a path of forgiveness and helping each other, being open to a new relationship and walking forward together.