After spending numerous years within correctional facilities, transitioning from maximum to medium security, Ruby Harry shares her transformative journey. Contrary to the common focus on punitive measures when discussing justice, she emphasizes that true healing justice involves a different approach.
The turning point for Harry was initiated by Section 84 of Canada’s Corrections and Conditional Release Act, which outlines the Release into Indigenous Community process. This provided her with hope for a potential return home. Tl’etinqox t’in, where she grew up near Williams Lake, B.C., holds a special place in her heart. Raised by her grandparents, particularly her powerful medicine woman grandmother, she experienced a community rich in cultural practices and sobriety.
However, the loss of her grandparents led to a period of disconnection from her cultural roots, exacerbated by personal trauma from residential schooling and subsequent experiences. During her incarceration from 1997 to 2018, Harry realized the imperative need for cultural reconnection to facilitate her healing journey.
A significant moment came when she encountered an unused drum at Surrey Pretrial Services Centre, symbolizing the neglect of cultural practices within the institution. Following the customs of her community, she meticulously cleaned and revered the drum, eventually embracing its spirit through drumming. This spiritual connection reignited her sense of identity and heritage.
Seeking further cultural enrichment, Harry embarked on a traditional vision quest involving fasting and prayer. She actively promoted Tsilhqot’in language learning, revived drumming sessions, and engaged fellow inmates in cultural activities, fostering a sense of community and identity among them.
Her pivotal moment arrived when she discovered Section 84’s provision allowing Indigenous individuals in federal custody to plan their release in an urban Indigenous community. This legal opportunity marked a significant shift towards reclaiming her cultural heritage and embarking on a healing-focused journey.
Upon release to the Anderson Lodge Healing Centre for Women in Vancouver, operated by the Circle of Eagles Lodge Society, Harry found solace in cultural ceremonies like sweats and drumming. Encouraged by mentors, she resumed blanket-making, a skill passed down by her grandmother, eventually establishing her business, Ruby’s Star Blankets, within the center.
Cultural support and ceremonies at Anderson Lodge empowered Harry to cultivate her independence and healing, contrasting with her previous release experiences. Immersed in daily teachings, ceremonies, and life skills development, she also pursued construction work, obtaining certifications and later contributing to the Phil Bouvier Family Centre’s initiatives.
Her entrepreneurial spirit flourished as she launched Medicine Wheels, a catering food truck offering Indigenous fusion dishes. Through her culinary venture, Harry continues to share cultural connections and healing, underscoring the profound impact of restorative justice pathways intertwined with cultural revitalization.
Recognized with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her exceptional contributions to Canada and communities, Harry exemplifies the transformative potential of restorative justice when coupled with cultural reclamation and compassion. Her journey signifies the importance of accountability, belonging, and second chances rooted in cultural heritage and community support.