
VG4A co-coordinator Marianne Bartram demonstrated how to make paper bead necklaces at the Tapestry Conference in Victoria with Laurie Wilson and again in Fanny Bay at the Regional Gathering. 15 members of VG4A went to Fanny Bay to join with grandmother members from up and down the Island and nearby islands for a memorable time of sharing and inspiration. Healey Thompson and Asmita Persaud brought stories and news about the Campaign from the SLF office in Toronto. They shared how the issues have changed over the ten years of the Campaign's existence, from the early focus on grief, loss and pain to the present focus on grandmothers as advocates for their own empowerment. The grandchildren now are adolescents, posing different challenges for the grandmothers caring for them. Loss of funding and the impacts of climate change are other pressing issues needing solutions.