Transforming Survivor Narratives: Postcards of Courage

How it All Started

In the Spring of 2023, I received a message from past BC Culture Days ambassador Daniela O’Fee, a fellow artist in Kamloops whose presence in my life has been incredibly healing, in which I was encouraged to apply for the 2023 Ambassador Program. I did not know how this opportunity would open the doors for a movement like Postcards of Courage. Still, upon reviewing Daniela’s message, I was very engaged in what BC Culture Days had to offer: the opportunity to execute a public art event of my design. With AIR (Accessibility, Inclusion, and Resilience) as the theme for BC Culture Days’ 2023 A/I/R/ Ambassador Series, I knew I could utilize the opportunity to execute a project I cared about.

For people like myself who have experienced significant trauma, it can sometimes be a challenge to engage in regular cultural events. Being in or near certain places or seeing certain people can potentially bring up feelings, memories, or experiences that are unwanted or feel unsafe. It’s not always easy to identify what could trigger anxiety or re-traumatization.

Along with my experience working at the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre, I’ve seen firsthand the critical need for initiatives that support and acknowledge the experiences of survivors. The isolation and impact of surviving a crime are profound, affecting every facet of one’s life, and yet, this is a conversation that seldom reaches the public ear.

The essence of ‘AIR’ ultimately guided me to curate an event that stood as a beacon of hope and solidarity for those often overshadowed by their silent battles - survivors and victims of violence and crime.

Postcards of Courage

The event I spearheaded, Postcards of Courage, was a workshop at the Kamloops Art Gallery and the Kamloops Farmers Market, designed to empower participants to use art and play to question traditional ideas of justice while crafting art and words of hope and healing.

To begin the workshop, each participant was given sticky notes to write down words that described what justice meant to them. Participants were encouraged to put their words on a collective wall space. The intention of this exercise is to showcase different perspectives and experiences, encouraging participants to express their thoughts when designing their postcard.

After which, participants were guided through a quick meditation and asked to envision a space in which safety and justice were paramount. What does it look like to experience justice? What does it feel like? Does it have a taste? A smell? Is justice a place, a person, a concept? Participants then took the time to illustrate on paper whatever they felt came-up during this meditation. Finally, folks were invited to craft their postcard using a wide assortment of tools and materials. This included scissors, glue, magazines, books, washi tape, stickers, paint markers, pencil crayons, and pens. I was very grateful to Tait from At Play Shop in Kamloops who donated a ton of vintage postcards, which I painted white for participants to have a blank canvas to work on.

This initiative culminated in a heartwarming collection of postcards donated to clients at the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre. By providing a space where we acknowledged trauma and its impact on one’s cultural identity, participants ventured into a realm where fun, creativity, and healing intersected seamlessly. Trauma-impacted individuals are rarely the centre of celebratory and creative endeavours. Having Hailey Hughs, a therapist who practices through a trauma-informed lens on-site, Postcards of Courage was a sanctuary for safe, like-minded individuals to freely explore artistically.

Expanding Horizons

The Postcards of Courage event for Culture Days was just where this journey began—it served as a precursor to more renditions of the workshop at the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counseling Centre throughout the year. The opportunity to secure funding through the Justice Canada Policy Centre for Victims Issues for a subsequent Postcards of Courage event during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in 2024 has also been pivotal for this project. Starting as a tiny seed, and with help from BC Culture Days, my vision of supporting trauma-impacted people is flourishing into something bigger. This further funding allows for the continuation of this initiative and emphasizes the power of collaboration—the theme for this year’s Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (May 12 to May 18, 2024), a Canada-wide initiative that aims to “raise awareness about the issues facing victims of crime and the services, assistance and laws in place to help victims and their families.”

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2024

The Postcards of Courage events during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week will actively challenge prevalent public perceptions and dismantle the stigmas associated with being a survivor of violence or crime.

By inviting participants to express their thoughts and emotions through art, this initiative aims to reshape the narrative surrounding survivors—depicting them not just as victims but as individuals deserving of love and support. This approach directly confronts common myths that often portray survivors as a burden on society or defined solely by their experiences. This public expression and communal support play a crucial role in altering societal views and emphasize that community support can significantly assist with an individual’s healing.

A Lasting Impact

While my tenure as a BC Culture Days ambassador concluded last year, I am still grateful for how the opportunity has led to a continued path for Postcards of Courage. Not only has this become something more significant, but I have also made lasting relationships with fellow Culture Days participants and my mentor, Miriam Libicki, who taught me much about survivor-led narratives. The support for Postcards of Courage affirms its significance and potential for growth, reinforcing my belief in the power of art to heal, unite, and empower.

Embarking on this journey as an ambassador has been an honour and a privilege. The shared experiences, stories, and connections made through Postcards of Courage have underscored the transformative power of art and community. I hope Postcards of Courage will inspire others to champion the voices of survivors and victims of violence and crime, fostering a culture where healing and justice walk hand in hand.

Postcards of Courage Event Schedule and Locations for Postcards of Courage during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week 2024:

Sunday, May 12th (11 am—5 pm): Aberdeen Mall, 1320 Trans-Canada Hwy, Kamloops. This is a day to create and share postcards that inspire courage and resilience. Everyone is welcome.

Tuesday, May 14th (5 pm—7 pm): The Stir, 235 1st Ave, North Shore, Kamloops. An evening to explore, make art, and craft words. Everyone is welcome.

Wednesday, May 15th (5 pm—7 pm): The Heritage House, 100 Lorne St, Riverside Park, Kamloops. Spend an evening in creativity and sharing by registration only.

Friday, May 17th (1:30 pm—3:30 pm): Kamloops Public Library Downtown, 465 Victoria St, Kamloops. Reflect and craft messages of hope. Everyone is welcome.

Saturday, May 18th (8:30 am—12:00 pm): Kamloops Farmers Market, 400 block of Victoria Street, Downtown Kamloops. Engage with the community and enjoy the therapeutic process of creating postcards. Everyone is welcome. will inspire others to champion the voices of survivors and victims of violence and crime, fostering a culture where healing and justice walk hand in hand.

You can find out more information about Postcards of Courage here and the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counseling Centre: https://www.ksacc.ca/victims-and-survivors-of-crime-week-2024/

Lindsey Tyne Johnson is a digital artist and printmaker living and working on the unceded territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. As a trauma survivor, Lindsey creates art that reflects the struggles and triumphs of healing and recovering from personal and intergenerational trauma.