September 12

Community Circle on Safety and Belonging

On September 12, nine community members gathered to explore the theme of community safety and belonging with the Salt Spring Restorative Justice Team. 

We began our circle with a land acknowledgment and a recognition of the deep harms that have taken place here on Salt Spring and in communities across the world. We reflected on the ongoing impacts of colonization that have disrupted safety and belonging for many, recognizing the importance of committing not only to acknowledgement but also to action, change, and repair.

A passage from Chief Robert Joseph’s book Namwayut helped ground our conversation:

“Everything is a lesson, every experience of joy, grief, despair, and brokenness. But every one of those experiences is also a chance for us to come together. To emerge from the wilderness, we must be committed to reconciliation on every level of our lived experience. When we are committed and when we are intentional about being reconciled individually, collectively, this will change this whole damn world.”

With this spirit, the Restorative Justice Team introduced the topic, offered a brief overview of Restorative Justice, and shared our circle agreements.

What Helps Us Feel We Belong

Participants reflected on the question: When have you felt most welcome or at home in this community, and what made that possible?

What emerged was a tapestry of experiences that help people feel connected:

• Consistent connections and relationships across generations.
• Vulnerability met with care and safety.
• The every day weaving of life together by sharing stories, meals, and familiar routines.
• Feelings of being seen and acknowledged, even in small ways, such as having our names remembered.
• A sense of protection when the community rallies to bring people back into safety and inclusion, even in online spaces.
• Joy in coming together and in celebrating others’ joy (a feeling described as compersion).
• Collective support in times of tragedy when the community shows up through meals, fundraising, or presence.
• Encouragement to try new things, and an abundant mindset instead of scarcity.

Everyday Actions that Create Belonging

When asked what small, everyday actions make belonging and safety real for others, participants offered many simple, powerful gestures:

• Smiles, recognition, and random acts of kindness.
• Welcoming people back after time away.
• Checking in when someone seems to be struggling.
• Offering help and receiving others without judgment, even when we disagree.
• Deep listening communicating kindness and care
• Remembering and saying a person’s name.
• Invitations to connect, and saying yes to those invitations.
• Slowing down to truly see one another, and sitting with discomfort when needed.
  
  

Community Safety and Belonging in Action

We were joined in this exploration by community members who are leading new projects to strengthen care, safety, and connection on Salt Spring.

Collective Courage: Strengthening the Heart of the Community

Paige and Emma, who coordinate IWAV’s Sexual Assault Support Services Program, shared information about their upcoming community workshop series. Beginning in November, the monthly sessions will focus on building relational skills, exploring a culture of care, and learning practical tools to respond to harm in compassionate ways. 

Topics will include discomfort, resilience, boundaries, and support. These workshops will be on Wednesday Nov 12, Dec 3, Jan 14, Feb 11, Mar 11, Apr 8, May 13, from 6-8 pm at the Salt Spring Island Library. For questions, details, and registration, please email sarc@iwav.org. 

Paige and Emma reminded us that each of us has a role to play in preventing violence and creating safety here on Salt Spring Island. 

Phoenix Landing: A Neighbourhood House and Community Hub

Kajin shared the vision of Phoenix Landing, a new hub opening mid-September. Initiated by The Chuan Society, Phoenix Landing will bring together projects such as Gabriel’s Kitchen and The Hearth, while creating new spaces like Lucky’s Corner workshop, an art space and meeting place, a community garden, pantry, fridge, and a wellness room. Phoenix Landing’s mission is to nurture community wellness, collaboration, and gathering for people from all walks of life on Salt Spring Island. Please email chuansociety@gmail.com for inquiries or to learn about ways to support this important project. 

Closing

Our September circle reminded us that safety and belonging are not abstract concepts. They are built every day through small actions, care, and community initiatives. By showing up for one another with presence, joy, and compassion, we strengthen the heart of Salt Spring together.

For more information on Restorative Justice Salt Spring Island, please visit  www.rjssi.org or email info@rjssi.org

Just in case you are interested. . . .This report has been written by the Restorative Justice Team.