This year is a big one for L’Arche—we’re celebrating 60 years of L’Arche, and 60 years of creating inclusive communities where everyone belongs. Over the past six decades, we’ve seen a lot of changes, but one thing has always stayed the same: our commitment to transformation.
As we look back on our journey, we’re reminded of the essence of L’Arche that keeps us learning, working together, and fostering a spirit of belonging. Sharing life and community has changed so many lives, including mine, in lasting ways.
We’ve collected a great deal of information showcasing L’Arche Canada’s powerful work. You can learn more about our past year’s achievements in our 2023 -2024 Annual Report.
I’d also like to share some incredible moments from 2024 that helped amplify voices here in Canada.
Tiana Kirkegaard, a youth leader from L’Arche Vancouver, emceed the 2024 Canadian Health and Wellbeing in Developmental Disabilities Conference in February. With warmth and confidence, she welcomed attendees, skillfully weaving expert advice with her own experiences. Tiana shared, I love places where we can all be ourselves, where all our voices matter.
L’Arche Canada’s dedication to affordable housing was showcased during “Day on the Hill” in Ottawa. In March, a delegation from L’Arche communities in Ontario joined other disability organizations for the advocacy campaign. Their goal was to highlight the importance of including people with intellectual disabilities in Canada’s National Housing Strategy. L’Arche delegates met with several MPs, including the Minister of Housing, Sean Fraser.
And we can’t forget how the communities of L’Arche in Quebec became front page news in La Presse, a major national newspaper. Faced with severe underfunding, the communities feared closures, prompting families to overwhelm provincial MPs with letters. Leading the charge was Lucie Bellerose, community member of L’Arche Lanaudière. The campaign brought vital attention to housing needs for people with intellectual disabilities, with L’Arche in Quebec advocating for flexible funding as needs change with age.
People with intellectual disabilities are advocating for inclusion on a global scale.
Tina Angustia from L’Arche Antigonish beautifully captures the heart of why our work is so vital:
“In L’Arche, everyone has their moment to be seen and is a part of a circle. Nobody is on the top and nobody is on the bottom.”
Together we are making a more inclusive world.
Gratefully,
Louis Pilotte,
Executive Director and National Leader,
L’Arche Canada
