OWG BRIDGE CROSSING 2026
Adàwe Pedestrian Crossing, Strathcona Park
September 13, 2026
A small but delightfully enthusiastic group of grandmothers turned out for the third bridge crossing in solidarity with African grandmothers. Strathcona Park was the setting for the second year in a row. We greatly missed our favourite “kokum”, Claudette Commanda, who was unable to attend for the best of reasons, celebrating the first year of her great-grandson.
Susan Brown led off the event and introduced the speakers, with Stella, Shailja Verma’s granddaughter, reading our land acknowledgement eloquently. Councillor Rawlson King, whose ward includes the Vanier side of Adàwe, made meaningful and heartfelt remarks, noting the significance of bridges connecting communities not just locally, but metaphorically, bridges connecting grandmothers around the world. Shannon Fleming of the Stephen Lewis Foundation reminded us of the importance of our efforts in continuing the fight against HIV and AIDS in a world less inclined to take the disease as seriously as it warrants. She spoke about the late Stephen Lewis’ emphasis on “rage and hope” as the underpinning of our Grandmother to Grandmother Campaign, underlining the importance of sustaining hope amidst difficult times and circumstances.
There were activities for children – pinning messages onto a clothesline strung along some bushes near the Adàwe Pedestrian Crossing, colouring maps of Africa, getting tattoos (not permanent!) and crossing Adàwe.
This year we had an information table at the restaurant on the Vanier side, manned by Kate Grierson and Sarah Jane Archer. The restaurant generously lent us tables and a spot to sit at in order to catch the attention of people visiting the premises. Sandi London, our Grandmothers’ Regional Liaison, was on hand with quilt cards and mugs for sale.
Shelagh Jane offered small gifts of appreciation to Councillor King and Shannon after they spoke. Stella received a book and a card in recognition of her contribution to the event.
Organizers included Dianne, Mia Overduin, Kate, Shelagh Jane, Susan and Shailja, and all of us thoroughly enjoyed our time there. With an at times overcast day and threat of rain, the numbers of people passing by were not very large, but those who stopped to see and hear what we were about were genuinely interested.
The organizers would like to give particular thanks to the three staff members of the SLF who joined us – Shannon Fleming, Leslie Wells, and Karimi Ikuta. We know that everyone has busy lives, and greatly appreciate the three agreeing to spend part of a Sunday with us.