Charlotte is an Indigenous woman from Glooscap First Nation here in Mi’kma’ki. She lives with multiple mental health conditions and has found innovative ways to deal with her disability symptoms with a focus on all-natural healing approaches, including time spent in nature and through animal therapy.
Charlotte is also a wife, a mother of 3, a sister and a grandmother of twin grandsons. She dropped out of high school as a teen mom but was determined to complete her high school diploma as soon as her children were more grown. And in her 30s, not only did Charlotte finish her diploma, she graduated with honours!
With a heart set on healing people, she powered on to make some big moves towards realizing a dream that would have a meaningful impact in her community. As an added note, Charlotte overcame her fear of public speaking by participating in this podcast, something to be very proud of! Her vulnerability, tenacity and genuine storytelling has been a memorable milestone as Season 1 continues to pick up momentum.
Hear Charlotte’s story below and enjoy the slideshow of photos I took when dropping off donations to the farm last Fall!
*Photo Credits & Copyright: Jennifer Barnable 2024*
Bonus Footage from Dragonfly Farm
“It was in my heart that this was what I needed to do, so I opened a farm called Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm. The dragonfly represents change – emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually – in my Mi’kmaq culture. Being a Mi’kmaw woman with anxiety and depression and going back to school – that was a huge step. Not everybody can do it. I didn’t think I could. But I had a good support network and I did everything I possibly could. I balanced a job, schooling and raising three children. I’m proud of myself because I never thought that I could graduate high school – and college!
Charlotte Paul
I never thought I could do any of that because I thought my mental illness was holding me back.”
About this Episode
Episode Title: Making Room for Mental Health at Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm with Charlotte Paul (S1E7)
Episode Summary: In this episode of Finding Avalon, host Jenna Barnable speaks with Charlotte Paul, an Indigenous woman from Glooscap First Nation, who shares her journey living with mental health disabilities and her innovative approaches to healing through nature and animal therapy.
Charlotte discusses the challenges of mental illness, her experiences in education, and the creation of Dragonfly Haven Therapeutic Farm, a space dedicated to providing healing through interaction with animals. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about disabilities, the importance of community support, and the role of music in expressing the complexities of disability inclusion.
Takeaways
- Mental health disabilities are on the rise, especially post-pandemic.
- Living with mental illness is a daily struggle for many.
- Natural healing methods can be effective for mental health.
- Natural approaches to healing are deeply intertwined in Indigenous cultures – and valued.
- Creating a therapeutic farm was a dream that became reality for Charlotte.
- Animals provide unconditional love and support for healing.
- Nature is healing and helps regulate people’s nervous systems.
- Outdoor interactions on therapeutic farms can be sensory soothing and calming.
- Disability is not always visible; many people struggle silently for fear of being judged.
- Community support is crucial for people with disabilities.
- Education and awareness can help change perceptions of disability.
- Music can be a powerful tool for expressing feelings about disability.
- Pride in one’s identity and experiences is essential for empowerment and healing.
- “Animals don’t judge.”
- “Be proud of who you are.”
Listen to Episode 7 here
Episode 7: Charlotte Paul is available wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for supporting a disabled creator with a follow, share, comment and like!
Learn more
Accessibility: All episodes have been uploaded with transcripts across all platforms. Contact Jennifer if you need another format.
Jennifer Barnable: Storyteller, Disability Advocate 
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