a publication of family transition place
LYNETTE POLE-LANGDON Support the Supporters
TABITHA WELLS The Strength of Female Friendships
LISA SHEN A Girl’s Favourite Colour
SHERALYN ROMAN Powerhouse Duo Celebrating Local Women
JULIE ELSDON-HEIGHT & SHARON RIGBY The Brave Canoe
PRIYA ANAND PARIYANI An Artful Celebration
by TABITHA WELLS
Lynette
by Lynette Pole-Langdon
(IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8th and is a time to recognize the incredible achievements of women around the world. It’s also a chance to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead in the fight for gender equality. The first IWD was celebrated in 1911. Back then, women were rallying for better working conditions and the right to vote. Fast-forward to today, and while we’ve made tremendous strides, there is still work to do. From equal pay to leadership opportunities, the push for gender equality remains as important as ever.
I’m very mindful of the intersecting privileges I hold and how they have helped shaped my journey. Born into a middle-class white Anglo-Saxon family, blonde hair (natural in my younger years), heterosexual, and able-bodied (knees are creakier now). The first true hardship I experienced was when my mother passed when I was in my teens. With the support of my dad and family, I attended post-secondary school right out of high school. I then found a job in my field right after graduating at a wonderful organization with feminist roots that offers great opportunities for women wanting to advance their careers. I’ve been with Family Transition Place ever since.
I know my journey was made possible because of the women who came before me.
It’s humbling to reflect on the challenges, that strong, courageous women didn’t let stop them. Instead, they broke barriers in every field imaginable—politics, science, business, the arts, and activism. In Canada, we’ve witnessed trailblazing women making an impact, such as Viola Desmond, a civil rights icon who challenged racial segregation; Roberta Bondar, the first Canadian woman and the world’s first neurologist in space; and Rosemarie Kuptana, an Inuit rights advocate. But it’s not just about the big names;
countless women in our communities make a difference every single day. Some of these inspiring women are recognized in the centre spread of this magazine.
Even though we’ve come a long way, gender inequality still exists. (Some may say given the current global political climate, a few countries are moving backward). Women (especially those from marginalized communities) continue to face pay gaps, limited leadership roles, and barriers to education and healthcare. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, true gender equality is still a long way off…at our current rate of progress, it won’t happen until 2158. Hence, the 2025 IWD global campaign theme: “Accelerate Action.”
One of the biggest ways we can help accelerate action is to “support the supporters.” But how do we do that? Let’s help individuals and organizations (both big and small) working to uplift women and girls—ask them what they need. Is it more resources? Do they need help spreading their message through conversations or social media, or is it support through advocacy?
Collectively, we all need to work together. Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s something that affects all of us. We all have a role to play, whether that’s in the workplace, at home, or in our communities. Individuals with positions of power and influence, business owners and allies can help drive change by speaking up, supporting fair policies, working to create inclusive spaces, and challenging outdated norms.
How you decide to celebrate the day… whether it was with us at our event, or something lower key, my hope is that you celebrate, reflect, and help us to continue striving for a future where gender equality is a reality, not just a goal.
Celebrating 40 Years of Hope
Family Transition Place (FTP) has been committed to helping women and children in Dufferin and Caledon since 1985. In times of crisis, women have found their way through our doors and into safety, often with their children, and here they start the arduous work of re-building their lives. In our welcoming and cheerful shelter, they meet other women whose professional lives are dedicated to helping them overcome their challenges and build new relationships—at the centre of which is the relationship with themselves and their children.
Apart from the shelter services and our critical counselling services supporting women impacted by the trauma of abuse, and both women and men who are dealing with the aftermath of sexual violence, FTP has become known as a leader in the field of healthy relationship education. We believe that by educating youth and children about the importance of respect, self-esteem and nonaggressive behaviours, we can influence the next generation of families, so that they are emotionally healthy and strong
Yoga, hot drinks, and conversations: how one group of local women found the strength of female friendships
BY TABITHA WELLS
Friendships between women serve as more than social connections. They are support systems, providing strength and guidance, and crucial for empowering one another. Female friendships are so important that they have served as a central theme in many sitcoms and dramas, particularly those who seek women as their primary audience. From The Golden Girls and Gilmore Girls to Grace and Frankie, Sex and the City, Friends, and Workin’ Moms, this theme repeats over and over. While the challenges these groups of passionate female leads face are often dramatized for audience engagement and may not always reflect real life, they all highlight two powerful truths.
FIRST, we often find our most meaningful connections in unexpected places. Second, celebrating one another and nurturing these bonds can turn companionship into lifelines.
“It’s like a metaphor for life—it’s about pace, perspective, being kind to yourself and having a sense of belonging,” said Anne Dermot, who is part of a group of local women that formed a bond when their paths collectively crossed. “The shared experience of doing something together is important.”
In the words of a famous cliché, art often imitates reality, and the same rings true for the circumstances that often bring women together. It’s the group of new moms meeting at a support group, creatives connecting at a seminar or event, or a fitness class that becomes so much more.
That’s where the story of this group of six’s friendship begins—a class at Orangeville’s GoYoga.
“We all like to chat, we all like coffee [and] tea, and yoga,” said Ann Moum.
Although the women knew each other from around the community, in quilting groups, partners who worked together, or other ways, it was during their 9:30 a.m. classes that their friendships were forged.
“I didn’t expect to make any friends here; I came here to stay healthy physically,” explained Christina Czender. “I wasn’t getting any joy from supply teaching. Before I fully retired, I was so focused on planning every moment of my life. When I started coming in the morning, I found my group of friends.”
LIKE ANY ORIGIN STORY, each member of this group was drawn to the class for different reasons. Ann M. was introduced to it through other friends.
“When I first started, I wasn’t really sure why I was here—I wasn’t flexible,” she said. “But I thought I’d just see what would happen.”
After her mom introduced her to yoga, Christina purchased a pass as a gift for herself. “It was something I could do to help with my life. My mom said if she didn’t do yoga every day, she wouldn’t be able to get out of bed,” Christina noted.
Susan Hopkins VanZant found herself pursuing additional classes when her in-
structor at the after-school staff yoga program she was taking recommended she go more often.
“It’s an investment in our health down the road,” Susan shared. “It does make a huge difference, and people tell me they like our group because we are friendly and welcoming.”
And for Anne Peters, it was a random moment that led her to the group. “I was walking along Broadway and saw the sign for yoga at the lake,” she said. “I bought a 10-class pass and just kept going. I thought, ’this is kind of fun’.”
From that point where their paths crossed, came the evolution from yoga class to post-workout coffee, and eventually the tight-knit group of friends that meets every weekday morning.
“This bunch of people help me with boundaries,” said Christina. “There are so many laughs—everyone has a good sense of humour. We laugh at each other, and ourselves, and our husbands.”
Their conversations and time spent together cover everything from serious topics to casual, hobbies and more.
“Absolutely everything,” Ann M. said. “Family, past work, sewing, travel, books that we’ve read. Sometimes it’s off-colour. We have intelligent conversations about what’s going on in the world, things like ‘where do you get your knives sharpened?’”
Susan noted that being in similar stages in their lives plays a role in being able to help one another.
“The advice I received from this group when I had to deal with the hospital when my dad was sick was invaluable,” Susan explained. “I find the support network is so helpful. Sometimes you just need someone that gets it and can laugh with you, who isn’t part of your family.”
THE GROUP AGREED that having these kinds of relationships among women is incredibly important for survival and positive mental health. “Throughout history, women have socialized in groups,” said Ann M. “The humour and support—you can’t really get that sometimes from your family. I don’t care who you are—you need girlfriends.”
“It’s nourishing to hear about the good things in people’s lives too,” added Chris-
tina. “Not all people are actually happy for [others] when they’re doing well. But this group is.”
When asked about International Women’s Day, in light of the bonds they have formed, the group shared the sentiment that the day remains important—and that it needs to be part of Canadian education.
“MEN OVERWHELM OUR SOCIETY, and we need to take up space in this world,” said Anne P. “There are different groups still treating women like garbage in the world.”
Part of International Women’s Day is also about celebrating women, which the group is clearly passionate about. As friends, they find ways to demonstrate this in our community. For example, Ann M. and Susan make pillowcases for the mastectomy pillows at the hospital. But Susan notes it’s also about being friendly, welcoming, and providing a safe and happy place where other women feel seen.
“When I retired, my routine changed, and I made up my mind that I didn’t want to be cliquey,” Susan shared. “When we see someone new to class, we invite them out for coffee. We like to welcome new people. A lot of people come here because they just want someone to talk to.”
The group, celebrating other women, and International Women’s Day all tie back into that theme that has formed the root of so many stories—the strength of female friendships. “It’s important to model positive relationships between women,” said Anne D.
IN A WORLD WHERE we often also see women being urged to see one another as competition, these kinds of friendships serve as a reminder of what we can accomplish together. And right here in Dufferin County—the group that meets every weekday morning provides the opportunity for women to experience that in real life, not just viewed through the latest binge of a favourite show.
Tabitha Wells is a writer, wife and mom based out of Dufferin County. A former journalist, she enjoys writing about social issues and challenging people to inspire and work towards change.
Approximately every six days, a woman in Canada is killed by her intimate partner.*
*https://canadianwomen.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/FactSheet-VAWandDV_Feb_2018-Update.pdf
You can help change this statistic by joining our board of directors.
Family Transition Place is looking for community members who want to make a difference, have unique perspectives and care about impactful change to join our committed board of directors.
Previous experience working at the community level, on a board, or in a leadership position, while an asset, is not necessary. All applications are welcome.
Please visit familytransitionplace.ca/ get-involved/volunteering or scan the QR code for more details.
When I was a kid, I was told a girl’s favourite colour is pink
BY LISA SHEN
Cherry blossom skirt. Ballerina shoes. A kiss and a curtsy. But the truth is a girl’s favourite colour is red.
Poppies on the lips. Hot coals in the stomach. Bleed the rivers scarlet. Strike a match on our cheekbone, set the sky on fire—forget that, a girl’s favourite colour is black.
Eyeliner sharpened to kill. Leather gloves and platforms. The night we take back from them— actually, a girl’s favourite colour is orange.
Soft, like the sunset. Firefly caught in the palm. Marmalade toast. Melted butter tongue. Just a hint of zest and peel—nevermind, a girl’s favourite colour is blue
Bruises on the knuckles. Fist swelled shut, still hitting out of turn—here’s the thing, a girl’s favourite colour is yellow
Bikini strap. Summer sun. All of us sprawling out on our porches— you know what?
A girl’s favourite colour is pink after all.
Bubble gum pop. Strawberry blush. Basket of roses. Mini skirt. Hair tied in a bow all cute and pretty
—
you want to know the truth?
A girl’s favourite colour is the one she laughs in. It’s her best friend’s lipstick. Her mother’s curls. A girl’s favourite colour is every dream she’s ever had:
Doctor. Lawyer. Engineer. Mother.
Astronaut. President.
Model.
Paint the room whatever shade you want—because here, I’ll tell you the secret at last: a girl’s favourite colour is whatever she wants it to be.
Lisa Shen is a writer and spoken word artist, and the 2023-2025 Youth Poet Laureate of the City of Mississauga. She is the winner of the 2024 Lillian Allen Emerging Artist Prize, and was shortlisted for the 2023 League of Canadian Poets Spoken Word Award. Lisa’s work has appeared on CBC Radio, TEDx, and Write About Now. Her first chapbook A Story Ending in Redwoods was recently published with Anstruther Press. She offers poetry readings and workshops for schools, non-profits, and corporate events. Website: lisashen.ca
by Tabitha Wells
FOR MANY YEARS, TRACY MOORE
was a household name as host of Cityline, a lifestyle talk show geared towards women. While the show had a long history of powerful female hosts who were trailblazers in Canadian journalism and media, Tracy set a new stage during her tenure—one that shifted the lens to a broader audience through intentional and intersectional conversations.
Speaking with Tracy, it is easy to see why viewers adored her and embraced the messages of equality and empowerment she wove into the show’s topics. She is the kind of person you feel as though you could eas-
ily be best friends with—not just because she is engaging, but because she makes genuine, and authentic connections.
A feat that Tracy said was one of the early lessons she learned as host.
“People really value authenticity,” she shared. “I learned very quickly that it did not matter if viewers wanted to see good recipes on the show and I couldn’t cook them. I was going to botch every single recipe that came my way. What mattered to them was I was honest about it.”
As a media personality, she noted, it can be incredibly difficult to bring that authenticity instead of being swallowed by the
game and settling into the persona of your role. But as she embraced more of herself on Cityline, she found her strength to start bringing change.
“I always see things out of an equality lens,” Tracy said. “I thought, I would love this to be a show that my girlfriends would watch, that my Black girlfriends would watch. What would it take to be the kind of show that my Asian neighbours might want to watch?”
WHILE AIMING TO empower women, the key ingredient missing was intersectionality. The show’s popular makeovers, for
instance, were mainly for white women, with white beauty standards.
“Right away, I wanted to dig into trying to get more voices heard on the show,” Tracy explained. “It was very, very difficult and took a long time. I wanted to open up Cityline to different age groups, genders, racial ethnicities—I wanted it to be opened up to all of Canada, not just what we saw as typical Canada in the 80s.”
TRACY IS KNOWN FOR HER WORK fighting against systemic racism, promoting equity and inclusion, and an advocate and role model for women’s empowerment both on and off the air. Along with her commitment to the Children’s Aid Foundation and Torontobased charity, Trust15, her impressive list of achievements demonstrates the impact of her work. Tracy was nominated for best host by the Canadian Screen Awards and the Gemini Awards, received the Canadian Academy of Cinema and Television Changemaker Award in 2023. Tracy also co-hosted and co-produced Citytv’s Ending Racism: What Will It Take?, with the show winning a Radio Television and Digital News Association (RTDNA) award, has received the Women Who Work Award, the Brilliant Minded Women Award for Community Service, and the BBPA Media Award.
Asked what drives her to be so passionate about this work, Tracy noted that it all comes back to the notion that we should all be chipping in to make a difference.
“We all want the world to be a better place for as many of us as possible, so that we all have opportunities and we all have success,” she said. “It’s better for society because then we get the best brains and the best people doing what they are doing if we are opening doors and getting people through those doors.”
Much like most people experience, where she is now wasn’t the original trajectory she saw for her life. A former hard-news reporter, Tracy admits she imagined herself the next Diane Sawyer or hosting 20/20, 60 Minutes, or a news magazine show. “Maybe even being a war correspondent or calling out corporations for their malpractices,” Tracy shared.
AS SHE WAS PREPARING for her maternity leave, her news director at the time, Tina Cortese, called Tracy into the office and told her Cityline was looking for a new host.
The organization, under CHUM FM had been sold to the Rogers umbrella, with former host Marilyn Dennis moving with her radio show to the CTV/Bell Media family. Tracy said she was aware of the search, and the upcoming auditions, and at first was a bit baffled as to the conversation she was having with her manager.
“I was kind of looking at her like, could we hurry this up? Because I have to file a story for the 12 o’clock news,” Tracy recalled.
She told Tracy she thought she should audition. Tracy’s first thought was, ”why?” She didn’t watch Cityline; with all the hard news she was keeping up on through the BBC, NBC, Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and so on, she had no real time for lifestyle shows.
“Then I thought to myself don’t ask why— maybe just think about it and accept because maybe there’s something here I need to be looking at,” Tracy said. “She definitely saw something in myself that I did not see.”
Tracy talked about it with her husband, who she says has always been a crucial partner in any decisions she has ever made. As her biggest cheerleader (second only to her parents, she notes), Lio was all for it. He pointed out that along with the topics she’d be able to address that fit with her current stage of life as
a new mom, new homeowner, and woman whose body had recently changed from pregnancy, it would also teach her a different area of the industry.
SO, TRACY THREW HER HAT in the ring. Since then, her own life experiences combined through that equity and equality lens she sees the world through, have given Tracy the opportunity to bring to the forefront many conversations that were not being held in the public eye prior. Conversations that not only were important for some groups, but ones that women as a whole could relate to as well, such as post-partum and maternal mental health.
“Now everybody is talking about it, but back then, no one was really fessing up to the fact that this is actually quite challenging,” said Tracy. Although Tracy says her experience with post-partum depression was short, lasting only six weeks, she describes the experience as atrocious. Especially when it stacked against her A-type personality.
“It was overwhelming and I didn’t feel like I had the right answers,” Tracy shared. “I realized after that when people are struggling with mental health, it’s really, really hard to see the light. I think we should do everything we can to support moms in any way.”
Of course, it’s not just moms who need support. Women play an important role in supporting women on a grander scale. Tracy describes each person as being the centre of their own constellation, with the constellation made up of the different people and roles in their lives. “Women are a core support for other women; they are as crucial as breathing,” she said. “We need those women to hold us up in life and be the hands at our back.”
That recognition is why Tracy says celebrating women is an ongoing piece of her life. But celebrating women can also mean being the hand at the back of those whose constellations we are a part of. And that’s something we can all do, with or without a large platform.
“LOOK TO YOUR COMMUNITY, look at the women in your neighbourhood, your schools, your community centres,” she said. “I think often we look far and look wide, and we’re looking at all the stuff that’s happening everywhere. But instead, look in your community and make that your purpose. Lift up the women that are in close quarters to you and see the ripple effect it has in their lives.
The publishing of Celebrating Women magazine alongside our International Women’s Day celebration always provides Family Transition Place (FTP) with the privilege and opportunity to reflect on the remarkable women we are surrounded by. The women who support us, who support other women and their families, who volunteer their time and expertise—women who fiercely believe in our Mission and Vision and who deeply recognize the importance of celebrating women—not just on International Women’s Day—but every day. While there is simply no shortage of extraordinary women to honour and celebrate in this community, we are pleased to share the perspectives and experiences of a select few.
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International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience, achievements, and contributions of women across generations. It is a call to action, urging us to break barriers, uplift one another, and continue striving for equality in every sphere of life. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still have to go in the fight for equality, empowerment, and recognition. It is a day to reflect on the progress made, to recognize the challenges that remain, and to reaffirm our commitment to a world where every woman is valued, empowered, and given the opportunities she deserves.
On this day, we honour the countless women who have paved the way for progress and those who continue to break barriers in every field. | Paarul Burge
If you could celebrate just one woman, or group of women on IWD, who would that be? Why?
If I could celebrate just one woman on International Women’s Day, it would be Mary Two-Axe Earley. A prominent Mohawk activist, Mary dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Indigenous women, particularly concerning issues of identity and status. She fought tirelessly against discriminatory policies that affected Indigenous women, especially regarding their rights to transmit citizenship to their children.
Celebrating Mary Two-Axe Earley on IWD honors her immense contributions to our communities and serves as a reminder of the continuing fight for justice and equity for Indigenous women everywhere. Her legacy inspires us to keep pushing for change and to uplift the voices of Indigenous women in all areas of society. | Sharon Rigby
What/who are you most proud of? Why?
Immigrating to Canada in 1984, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this country has afforded me. Canada has empowered me to grow personally and professionally, and to contribute to the well-being of others. | Asha Kooner
At this stage of my journey, I am most proud of myself. As a plus-sized woman actively working in a male-dominated field, I have faced numerous challenges—grappling with imposter syndrome, battling self-doubt and constantly feeling the pressure to prove my competence. Despite these hurdles, I am happy I stayed the course and shifted my focus to the difference I can make, just as I am.
With this mindset, I was able to channel my love for reading into a book club with the young girls in our martial arts program. This is part of a larger vision of creating wholesome individuals in our community. Despite the struggles I have faced, I am grateful for the opportunity to spread positivity in our community. | Janeque Jones
My grandmother Eta embodies strength, resilience, and unwavering determination. As a Holocaust survivor who endured the unimaginable horrors of a concentration camp during World War II, she demonstrated extraordinary courage and an indomitable spirit. Despite facing the darkest chapter of human history, my grandmother maintained a remarkably positive outlook that would later become the foundation of her success. Her ability to transform profound trauma into triumph, her commitment to creating a better future, and her dedication to instilling Jewish values and pride in our family make her the person I’m most proud of. Through her example, I have been inspired and motivated to create a life filled with security, prosperity, joy, and love. I learned that even in life’s most challenging moments, maintaining hope and determination can lead to extraordinary achievements and positive change. | Jessie Steinberg
If you were speaking to a group of young women, what would you want them to know?
It depends upon the group of young women, but the one thing I do tell young women when it is appropriate to do so, is to not allow any man to abuse her, to put her down, to intimidate her or to threaten her. I want young women to be aware, to be accepting of the fact that they are equal to and just as important as males. I would encourage them to stand up for themselves, to respect themselves and to have the courage to do so despite being put down in society today. | Sandy Small Proudfoot
FTP extends its most sincere gratitude to these exceptional women for allowing us to share their thoughtful words and reflections. As these responses are all excerpts of the heartfelt insights of these women, you’ll find their complete responses on familytransitionplace.ca, which we hope you’ll take the time to review and reflect on.
BY SHERALYN ROMAN
WATCHING AND LISTENING as two committed and articulate women, keenly devoted to their work, reminisced about their long careers was a bit like viewing a finely choreographed dance. Fond pats on the shoulder, finishing one another’s sentences, one recalling a first name, the other the last name of treasured coworkers, former board members, or past executive directors (EDs) who helped build Family Transition Place (FTP), was illuminating and inspiring. Bonnie Waterfield and Lyn Allen are a powerhouse duo who have cumulatively served FTP for over three quarters of a century! Here they share thoughts on feminism, workplace relationships, and on how working predominantly with women, while supporting women and families experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), has evolved
over the course of their careers. FTP provides safety, support, and hope, and for 35+ years each (they still jokingly disagree on who started first) Bonnie and Lyn have played an integral role in this important work.
Bonnie describes some of the earliest days of FTP, first known as Hillside House. Working with another organization at the time, she was receiving calls for shelter services and was frustrated with the lack of options in Caledon and Dufferin. Finding others, both men and women, who were looking to address this glaring lack of support, Bonnie (first in a volunteer role) became involved in finding a solution. What started with a community survey evolved into funding requests, location scouting, and the formation of a board of directors as Hillside House was born.
Both Bonnie and Lyn were early staff members at Hillside; Bonnie was working as a counsellor and Lyn in legal support.
Lyn picks up the conversation by recalling her first experience in the courtroom helping a client. A man charged with assault had agreed to sign a peace bond. “I was young and ready to take on the world,” she states. But when the judge said, “well that’s really good the matter is settled because as far as I’m concerned it doesn’t belong in front of the court.” Lyn remembers thinking, “I’ve just had my first glimpse into the fight that’s ahead of me in terms of recognizing gender-based violence as a crime. It opened my eyes but also motivated me.”
As FTP evolved, so did their roles. In addition to serving as counsellor and providing legal support, (even covering one of Lyn’s maternity leaves) Bonnie became
heavily involved in a special project focused on the pressing need for new, larger, facilities. Enjoying that work, Bonnie transitioned into a senior administrative role, supporting the agency, and several EDs, until her retirement on December 31, 2024. Meanwhile, Lyn continued her work in legal support, then later in community development, while gradually assuming more responsibilities: supervisor, manager and eventually as Director of Transitional Programs and Housing Initiatives, from which she too will be retiring on November 28, 2025.
Asked about relationships, and how the work has changed, both women emphasized that working with other women was important. From the very beginning, they agreed, FTP has been a predominantly female-led organization, where people took care of one another. Every day, they were “surrounded by good people doing good work and everyone was respected.” While the organization is continuously evolving and looking for new opportunities to serve FTP clients better, they both commented that any decisions made along the way always also benefited staff. Everyone who comes through the doors at FTP, whether client or co-worker, is given an opportunity to learn and grow, and that, they say, is “empowering,” a word that emerged frequently during our conversation.
WHILE THERE HAS ALWAYS BEEN a counselling component of the shelter system, FTP now finds itself at the intersection of violence against women, a housing and homelessness crisis, and a mental health crisis. Lyn and Bonnie watched the evolution of FTP into a multi-service agency, including the provision of second stage housing, youth education and sexual violence counselling services. FTP’s work has changed, but more importantly, they say, so too have attitudes. Lyn explains (unlike her first courtroom experience), “I’m encouraged when I see officers who are compassionate about helping,
and when I see judges who are making a difference for women.” There has been a shift in the culture, and even in the language used to describe domestic abuse, now referred to as gender-based violence. Recently, one police service in Ontario labelled the murder of a woman in her home as femicide. Bonnie adds there are now two locally dedicated OPP officers specifically supporting GBV, and Orangeville is one of many communities who have recognized GBV as an epidemic. Both also agreed that the events of December 6, 1989*, had a significant impact because it literally changed everything. It brought to light that GBV was a crime that could no longer be hidden.
THE SHARED HISTORY between these two talented women, and their cumulative, institutional (even generational) knowledge cannot be overstated. They shared so many names, dates and facts about the evolution of FTP it would be impossible to include them all here. But one comment stood out—speaking for them both, Lyn said, “I feel we would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge the people we’ve lost along the way. People we’ve worked with, clients lost due to abuse and other tragedies. But what made times like these bearable, to be able to continue to work, is how we supported one another and how FTP supported us.” That support, they agree, is just one part of FTP’s significant legacy as a largely female-led organization. Asked about the future, why they are retiring, and if they have any advice for the next generation, both used the word hope. They spoke of its importance as an underlying philosophy, supporting this often-challenging work. They also mentioned tenacity and resilience as necessary characteristics, and the importance of knowing you are making a difference even when you don’t see it. Bonnie ends positively, saying, “it’s hopeful that there’s continued pressure for change. It’s incremental,” she states, “but it’s progress and an acknowledgment that GBV
is a community issue, one we all (both men and women) play a role in resolving.”
ON RETIREMENT, Bonnie commented, “it’s the evolution of a healthy organization to have people leave.” While joking that she didn’t want to train another new executive director, she said, “it was just time for new people and new energy.” Lyn shared, “while she loves being on the front lines, making a difference, for a million little reasons and no reason at all—it’s just time.” With the recent retirement of former ED, Norah Kennedy, however, Lyn committed to staying through November of this year to support the transition of new ED, Lynette Pole-Langdon. Both women agreed some of both their hardest, and most joyful, moments have been at FTP. In addition to laughter and sharing memories, there may have been some “leaking” eyes during parts of our conversation. It’s clear leaving is bittersweet. That said, Bonnie and Lyn are confident they leave the agency in good hands. They say FTP is a feminist organization that embraces equity and recognizes the contribution of all employees.
For Bonnie, “a feminist lens includes respect, acceptance and is non-judgmental.” For Lyn, “a feminist lens means recognizing women as equals, given the same place in the world as men.” These are the values that have guided both women throughout their careers, values that FTP also embraces. They might be leaving, but they leave with hope for the future because “progress is being made.”
As for “progress” in the ongoing debate of who has served FTP longer, none was forthcoming, but the love and laughter shared during our time together makes me think the answer doesn’t really matter after all.
Sheralyn Roman After balancing kids, the family business and careers in HR, teaching and communications, Sheralyn Roman now devotes her time to writing creatively and volunteering extensively (including serving on the board of FTP). She writes a weekly column in the Caledon Citizen, has written a children’s book and dreams of publishing a novel soon!
*École Polytechnique Tragedy (Montreal massacre)
by Julie Elsdon-Height and Sharon Rigby
In the heart of Dufferin County, The Brave Canoe stands as a testament to the power and resilience of women working together. Led by co-founders Sharon Rigby, an Indigenous knowledge holder, and Julie Elsdon-Height, a dedicated nonIndigenous ally, this organization weaves a tapestry of support and education.
Their mission reflects the serene yet determined strokes described in Emily Pauline Johnson’s “The Song My Paddle Sings,” guiding them through both calm and turbulent waters.
ORIGINS & MISSION The seeds of The Brave Canoe were planted in 2022 when Julie and Sharon shared a vision to fill the stark void of Indigenous-focused resources in their community. “We didn’t just want to start something; we wanted to ignite a change,” Sharon explains. Together, they crafted a vision for a place that would bridge cultures and generations.
Central to this vision is their Indigenousmajority board and the wisdom of an advising elder, ensuring governance and direction that resonate deeply with Indigenous perspectives and female wisdom.
“The impact of gender-based violence on Indigenous women and girls cannot be overstated,” Julie notes. “It’s a crisis that calls for not only awareness but active engagement and support.” In response, The Brave Canoe’s programs empower participants
through educational workshops and cultural ceremonies that celebrate Indigenous heritage and foster safety and resilience.
The ‘All My Relations’ program is especially close to their hearts, offering a space for healing and strength. “Seeing the transformation in our participants, how they stand a little taller each time, reminds us why we do what we do,” Sharon adds.
This transformative impact is a tribute to the powerful women leading and advising the organization, each bringing a diverse perspective and deep commitment to their roles.
Establishing The Brave Canoe involved navigating numerous challenges, from securing funding to engaging the community. However, the shared resolve of the co-founders and their board turned obstacles into stepping stones. “Every program we launch, every story we hear, fuels our commitment to keep pushing forward,” reflects Julie. Their perseverance has nurtured a thriving women-led organization that is a reflection of empowerment and resilience.
Looking forward, The Brave Canoe is poised to expand its reach, particularly in integrating mental health support with its cultural programming. “Our vision is expansive: to
create a brave space where healing is intertwined with learning, where every woman, every child feels seen and supported,” says Sharon. This vision is actively supported by the diverse expertise and passionate dedication of their board and elder advisor, guiding The Brave Canoe toward a future where it continues to serve as a model of collaboration.
Julie and Sharon invite the community to join them in this movement. “Together, we are not just navigating currents—we are changing the flow. We are all part of this river, and every paddle stroke counts, because we are The Brave Canoe,” Sharon concludes, echoing the poetic spirit of Emily Pauline Johnson that inspires their journey.
S u p p o r t i n g w h a t
m a t t e r s i n o u r
c o m m u n i t y .
We recognize and embrace our responsibility to give our time, talent, and resources to the causes we believe in - and help make our community healthier, happier, and safer for all.
We are proud to support the Family Transition Place’s on-going mission to support the wellbeing and prosperity of all members of our community.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our friends, co-workers, and neighbours. Amy Rounding, CFP
Our thanks again this year to Priya for the generous donation of her beautiful work to feature in this issue of Celebrating Women. To view more of Priya’s art, find her on Instagram: instagram.com/cartofartbypriya
IWD 2025’s campaign theme is ‘Accelerate Action’. Collectively, we can Accelerate Action for gender equality. Step forward in solidarity for International Women's Day (IWD) 2025 on March 8 to help #AccelerateAction.
At the current rate of progress, it will take until 2158, which is roughly five generations from now, to reach full gender parity, according to data from the World Economic Forum.
Focusing on the need to Accelerate Action emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that
women face, both in personal and professional spheres. So, together, let's Accelerate Action to speed up the rate of progress worldwide.
International Women’s Day
#AccelerateAction #IWD2025
This article sourced from: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
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