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Getting to Know MLA Rob Botterell Better
Before welcoming MLA Rob Botterell to ASK Salt Spring this Friday, May 2, 11-1, SIMS classroom, we thought it would be fun to learn more about what “excites and delights” him personally as well as professionally. Rob grew up in Oak Bay, playing the alto saxophone in the high-school band and spending much of his free time sailing. When he graduated from high school in 1973, he headed off to UBC to study Economics and Political Science, eventually also receiving his MBA there. Idyllic as his childhood may sound, he recalls with a chuckle telling his lawyer mother when he…
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The Power of Gratitude in Challenging Times
April 11 Eleven joined this Restorative Justice conversation to explore the benefits of gratitude when facing conflict in our lives. Leading us in this conversation were Program Coordinator, Jessica Terezakis, longtime volunteer and Restorative Justice Salt Spring Island Board member, Laura Dafoe, and new volunteer, Fig, bringing her rich experiences with nonviolent communication and community activism. After a Land Acknowledgement, during which we were reminded that Restorative Justice principles are grounded in Indigenous circle practices throughout the world, we began our exploration of the power of gratitude in challenging times. We began, as we do each second Friday of the…
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Welcoming MLA Rob Botterell
April 4 Twenty-two joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MLA Rob Botterell and Julie Luna. He began his time with us this month acknowledging his appreciation for being able to live and work on this beautiful land, the unceded territory of 14 Indigenous groups. He spoke of his dismay with the recent display of prejudice by MLA Dallas Brodie. While he recognizes importance of freedom of speech, he believes so strongly that we should stand up and confront racist rhetoric that he will be bringing a motion to the legislature to censor MLA Brodie. While he understands that it may…
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Want to Become a Living Library Book?
March 28 This ASK Salt Spring gathering began with a land acknowledgment, recognizing the deep and ongoing work of Indigenous communities in building connections. The discussion highlighted the incredible efforts of organizations like Stqeeye’ Society in Xwaaqw’um. In the spirit of celebrating collective efforts, Sophia shared thoughts on International Women’s Day and the participation of Penelukut Elders, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the voices, contributions, and leadership of Indigenous women in community-building. The focus of our time together was the Living Library Project: A Space for Connection & Understanding, an initiative championed by Fig (writer and volunteer) and Sophia (library coordinator). Both are…
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Welcoming Eric, Lady Minto Foundation’s Executive Director
March 21Fifteen joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome Lady Minto Hospital Foundation Executive Director Eric Jacobsen, supported by members of the Foundation Board. After our Land Acknowledgement, Eric shared that he is “excited and delighted” to live and work on Salt Spring Island. Delighted to be raising his family here, he praised Salt Spring as the kindest, safest (both emotionally and physically) community he had ever experienced. He alluded to our depiction as a “controversy surrounded by water” as a strength, for in Eric’s opinion, that deep caring and ability to speak and debate freely is to be cherished. Often…
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Getting to Know our new MLA, Rob Botterell
Twenty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MLA Rob Botterell and his Constituency Assistant Patricia Pearson. During his Territorial Acknowledgement, he expressed his gratitude that we can live and work on this beautiful land. He acknowledged his pleasure that we can do this work in partnership First Nations, learning from their wisdom, values, and culture. When asked what “excited and delighted” him, he did not hesitate: He is pleased that the Legislature is in session, particularly enjoying his regular opportunity to publicly question our government during the question period d: https://www.mlabotterell.ca/legislative-archive. A rookie now, he looks forward to his progression to…
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A Loving Welcome to MP Elizabeth May – Solutions for Challenging Times
February 28 Thirty-seven came to this ASK Salt Spring gathering to welcome MP Elizabeth May and her new Constituency Coordinator, Aysha Emmerson. After her Territorial Acknowledgement, Elizabeth shared delight about her new granddaughter, Lily, born October 30, 2024. While already the loving grandmother of step-grandchildren, Elizabeth has been blown away by the love, delight, and adoration she feels for her daughter Cate’s baby. After we all had a chance to introduce ourselves, Elizabeth started our discussion of local, federal, and transnational issues by addressing the local concerns of one participant about derelict boats in Ganges Harbour as well as hazardous…
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Where Have All Salt Spring’s Birds Gone? Wildlife Experts Offer Solutions
February 21 Twenty joined this ASK Salt Spring gathering about the islands ecology and the challenges it faces. Organized and facilitated by Julie Thomson, an international conservation specialist (as well as just elected ASK Salt Spring Society Board member), we welcomed: After our Territorial Acknowledgement, each of our guests introduced themselves and their work, beginning with David, a film-maker, photographer, naturalist, and science educator. He told us about Nature Salt Spring (https://www.naturesaltspring.org/membership), a volunteer organization established four years ago to educate and inspire Salt Spring Islanders to better understand, appreciate, and protect our natural ecosystems through action and advocacy. He spoke about his European ancestry…
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Dealing Effectively With Conflict
February 14 Twenty-three plus a newborn (babies and dogs are always welcome!) joined the circle to welcome Restorative Justice volunteers Laura, Jessica, and Fig to this ASK Salt Spring gathering. Our time together was designed to develop competence to deal effectively with conflicts, moving in subsequent months to address divisive Salt Spring issues. After our Territorial Acknowledgment, we set the tone by reviewing five basic agreements: Given the large number of participants, Laura reminded us to “take space and make space.” In other words, take the time you need to express yourself while also leaving time for others to do so. In the first of a…