Debra Sutherland enjoyed a 28 year career in public school counselling, retiring in 2014. For twenty
-two of those years she is very proud to have been a core member of a ground-breaking, small group of dedicated teacher, union and community activists that moved mountains for 2SLGBTQIA safety and equality in BC schools. She believes this early and sustained work provides strong buttresses to the current reactionary backlash. Debra’s post-retirement activism for peace, and social, racial and climate justice has been inspired and nurtured by her amazing Unitarian community.
Debra is a devoted and fun-loving daughter, mother and grandmother; and a curious lifelong learner with a fondness for history and justice – taking several of these courses online during the pandemic. Debra looks forward to sharing stories of the activists and ordinary people who have inspired her with their exemplary leadership and proposed solutions! She knows it is time to bring our disparate groups together in solidarity. With her decades of activism and deep listening, she is joining the On to Ottawa Peace Caravan.
In a world deluged with intersecting, cascading and worsening crises Debra’s grandkids, friends, nature, sports, film festivals and book clubs keep her sane and healthy!
