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The Origins Origin Story

Origins was founded in 2022 by Karla J. Strand, an academic librarian of 20 years and an expert researcher, writer, and information detective.

With a scholarly background in US women's history, Karla also has decades of training and experience in social justice theories and practices. In this area, Karla has studied, been active, and led; she has also learned, trained, and mentored others to be effective accomplices in service to historically excluded communities.

As she began her journey to formal genealogical certification, Karla too often witnessed a field steeped in colonial narratives, lacking in critical praxis, and adhering to stereotypical portrayals of Indigenous, Black, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and queer peoples of what is now known as the United States.

While the entire field of genealogy can't be brushed with this broad stroke, these themes are present enough that Karla decided to start a business that would allow her to help address these issues in the genealogical field while most effectively using her experience, expertise, and skills.

Karla's unwavering dedication to sovereignty, truthtelling, and collective liberation informs everything she undertakes, including her new business, Origins Historical Research, LLC.