Society Info 

IWS was formed over 40 years ago. The society has undergone some name changes along the way but we have worked to stay true to our roots and continued to strive towards our mission statement: to provide a variety of services in a safe and supportive environment. These services help to promote empowerment, overcome trauma, address violence, promote equality and enrich the lives of children and families on Haida Gwaii.

It was all started back in 1983 by a small group women who gathered on a regular basis to address the main issues that they were facing at the time. This group quickly became a Society, in order to be eligible for Women’s Centre funding. In the early 1990’s policies, consensus decision-making, mission statements and Women’s program funding were the main topics on the agenda.

Over the next two decades, the Society grew by adding the Victim Assistance Program, the Women’s Counselling Program, the Outreach Program, the Child Care Resource and Referral program and then the PEACE program (Child and Youth Counselling).

In 2013, we embarked on a new adventure as Islands Wellness Society and celebrated thirty years of offering services on Haida Gwaii. We unveiled our new hummingbird logo, and have been working towards being a resource organization for all families in our communities.

Bonnie’s IWS Bursary

 

Board of Directors

Our board of directors, like our organization, is an evolving group. All members have a keen interest in seeing IWS progress and move forward into a more dynamic organization to support the families and communities of Haida Gwaii. Their interest and volunteer status shows their commitment to ensure that Provincial funds are stretched to cover every possible aspect of our island’s families. If you are interested in joining the board at IWS, we would love to hear from you!

Our wonderful, amazing, talented, and inspiring Board of Directors currently consists of:

Mary Elizabeth Hart

My traditional name is Guusdagang, translating to “Independent”. However, my English name is Mary Elizabeth Hart. Currently, I serve as a Cultural Resource Management Officer for the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site. I am privileged to work alongside the Island Wellness Society, an organization with an inspiring history of empowering women. During my leisure time, I cherish moments with my son, Carl, and exploring rivers and waterfalls.
 
Cheers,
Mary

Emily-Sky Collins

I’ve lived on Haida Gwaii for over twenty years and I feel very lucky to call Daajing Giids home.
I have worked for a variety of local organizations in my time here, but for the past decade or so, I’ve been with the Haida Gwaii Institute. As a community member, I see the good and steady work that the Islands Wellness Society has offered Haida Gwaii for a very long time and it’s been an honour to hold this work up by serving on the board for the past several years. As a new parent with two little kids, building a strong community and sense of connection for everyone feels more important than ever. I believe IWS plays a vital role in this by offering services that enrich the lives of children and families on our Islands.

Leslie Johnson

I’ve benefitted from and supported the work of IWS since its inception. Being on the board is a natural progression. I bring my many years of experience of financial administration, board processes and collaborative community work to this creative endeavour that is IWS.

Lindsay Seegmiller

I have spent most of my career working with communities and community based organizations looking to support the people around them. Currently, I work for Northern Health’s Population and Public Health team, with a team that supports the organization to be community-centred. I am honoured to bring my experience in organizational development and community engagement to IWS,  an organization that supports the people and communities of Haida Gwaii in many important ways. 

Vernal Bogren-Swift

She/They

I am drawn to this organization because of their feminist belief that “we can all flourish”. Not easy or quick, but when this paradigm is used to solve problems between people, real justice and equality happens. It is exciting to work with women and men who try to do this.

Administration

Administration is the support system of the programs at Islands Wellness Society. Our Administrator is responsible for the behind-the-scenes activities, our good standing with the Ministry, and ensuring that the lights are turned on, the door is open and there are happy people on the inside to help you with whatever you need.

Shani Sparrow 

She feels lucky to be a part of the IWS team and a resident of Haida Gwaii!

In Memorium

Bonnie Olson – Queen B – July 21, 2023 

IWS is grateful for the many years of unwavering service as VAP/Outreach Coordinator that Bonnie gave to our organization starting in November 2011. She will forever be a shining example to us all of how to pursue social justice and community connection with grace, humour, sincerity, and passion. Bonnie left this community and world a better place and IWS will honour her work with integrity as we move forward in her memory.