Friends and relatives, 

This has been a difficult year, to say the least. For ICA, this has meant giving ourselves the time and space to feel the weight of the world and supporting each other through honest reflection. We’ve changed plans, shifted projects, and moved deadlines because we wholeheartedly believe that our internal structures must match the changes we want to see in the world. 

Oppressive structures tell us to put our feelings away and continue to do the work, but we know we can’t do the work if we can’t show up as our true selves. We’re doing the work at the pace that feels good to us, while valuing the health - mental, spiritual, and physical - of our staff, Steering Committee, network, and communities. 

On this note, in the new year, our Director of Healing Justice, Melina Laboucan-Massimo and our Executive Director, Eriel Deranger, will be having a conversation about what they’ve learned during their sabbaticals. They will share their reflections on  why it’s so important to take the time we need to slow down when necessary - to truly be able to listen to our bodies and hearts so we can continue to dig deep, heal and be able to stay in this work for the long haul. We’ll have more information about this chat in January. 

We want to thank you for supporting us throughout this time of transition and uncertainty and for adapting with us into this world. We sincerely hope that during this holiday season that you can take time for rest and for healing, in whatever way feels good to you. 

The new year is just around the corner and we’ll meet you there. 

Mussi cho/hiy hiy/miigwech/nia:wen/thank you

— The ICA team

*Please note that our offices will be closed from December 18 - January 4.*