Lisa Byer-de Wever
As someone who has navigated the many worlds of color, culture, gender and language my whole life, I am passionate for creating space for dialogue, learning and deep listening where everyone has the opportunity to share their authentic self.
Recently widowed and mother of 3, I identify as having mixed West Indian and Indigenous heritage. As a student of diaconal ministry, I have served as the minister for Kahnawake United Church in a First Nations Reserve and the last number of years appointed as Executive Director to Saint Columba House, a community ministry of the United Church of Canada. I co-chair our Region’s Right Relations group as well as the local chapter of Kairos and have been a social justice activist for as long as I can remember.
Serving in Pointe St Charles, one of Montreal’s most vulnerable communities, has challenged us as a community to continue to explore who & how we are called to serve. Even though the demographics of our area are in constant change, advocating for the most vulnerable does not. Issues such as housing, food security, mental health, poverty, literacy, transportation and the care and rights of our elders remain a focus of our engagement.
On my days off I enjoy reading, long walks, spending time with my family and catching up the Crown and old Star Trek episodes.