Dear Bowen Island:
Thank you. My name is Sioned Dyer and I am the executive director of North Shore Restorative Justice. I have had the privilege of growing up on the North Shore, the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) and Kwikwetlem (kʷikʷəƛ̓əm) Nations. I am now raising my three boys on the North Shore. Through the work of North Shore Restorative Justice (NSRJ), I have witnessed first-hand the heartwarming benefits of the practice of restorative justice – for young people, families, communities, schools and the justice system. It is such an honour to do the work we do – community born and led.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Brenda Morrison and Lisa Holland for building awareness and fundraising on Bowen Island this month as a part of NSRJ’s Charity Challenge. Brenda and Lisa shared that the conversation with supporters was rich as each lap was completed around Killarney Lake: six times – a half-marathon! There were conversations with youth about social justice issues; conversations about restorative approaches to elder care; conversations about mental health; conversations about restorative approaches to health care; responding to environmental harm and reconciliation. It was a day to remember. Thank you to all those who joined us and donated.
We have served Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island) for a number of years. For Bowen Island, our financial support comes from the community (other municipal governments contribute up to 30K to support our work); so, we really appreciate your support as a community. We will continue to fundraise until July 26. You can donate on the Race Roster site.
Thanks again to Lisa and Brenda for walking the talk in their own back yard, and the Bowen Islanders who walked with them. Congratulations to all.
For further information about the work we do and to join as a member of NSRJ (free during our membership drive) please visit: nsrj.ca.
Sioned Dyer
