Circles of Support and Accountability-Ottawa

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.

At CoSA Ottawa, we acknowledge the ongoing impacts of colonialism and the overrepresentation of Indigenous People within Canada's criminal justice system. We are committed to learning, reflection, and supporting approaches to community safety, healing, accountability, and reintegration that honour Indigenous knowledge and traditions.

This month, and throughout the year, we encourage our community to listen, learn, and engage with Indigenous voices, histories, and perspectives.

Join Ottawa Transformative Justice Collective and CoSA Ottawa for an afternoon of conversation, reflection, and community learning.

We’ll be screening our powerful documentary Facing Our Messy Lives, followed by a panel discussion exploring reintegration, accountability, restorative approaches, and what community safety can look like when support and connection are part of the solution.

This event invites community members to engage with important conversations about justice, healing, and safer communities for everyone.

📍 Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa - 400 McArthur Avenue
📅 June 13, 2026
⏰ 12pm, doors open at 11:40am

Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-and-panel-collaboration-with-cosa-and-otjc-tickets-1990498427379?aff=oddtdtcreator

We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful afternoon.

This years National Restorative Justice Symposium is being held in Saskatoon. The call for presenters is ongoing. This year’s theme, "The Tracks We Leave," invites presenters to explore the lasting impact of restorative justice on individuals, communities, systems, and the paths we collectively shape. The planning committee is seeking 75 minute presentations that highlight meaningful work, research, stories, practices, or innovations within the field of RJ.

✨ Runner Spotlight ✨

Behind every race bib is a commitment to making a difference. Today we’re highlighting a quote from our Executive Director, Michaela, who shares why she’s participating in Ottawa Race Weekend and supporting .

📸 Check out her message in today’s featured spotlight!

There's still time to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa

Runner Spotlight 🏃‍♀️

Today we’re celebrating another amazing Team CoSA participant and the motivation behind their Race Weekend journey.

Donate to support their fundraising efforts: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa

We are so grateful for every runner choosing to support at Ottawa Race Weekend this year.

Each step taken helps shine a light on the importance of community support, accountability, and reintegration in building safer communities for all💙

Today’s spotlight features Vanessa, CoSA Ottawa’s dedicated Administrative Assistant and proud Race Weekend participant.

Runner Spotlight Series🏃‍♀️

Every runner on Team CoSA Ottawa has a reason.

For the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, they’re sharing those reasons with you - honest, personal, and rooted in a belief that communities can do better🏃‍♀️

Read what’s motivating them this year.

💙 Help support their impact: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa

This Race Weekend, we’re highlighting the impact your support makes possible.

Every donation helps CoSA Ottawa walk alongside individuals as they reintegrate into the community after incarceration - building accountability, reducing isolation, and strengthening community safety through connection rather than exclusion.

Circles of Support and Accountability are made possible by trained volunteers, coordinated support, and everyday acts of care that help people rebuild stable, pro-social lives. This work is grounded in the belief that safer communities are created when no one is left to navigate reintegration alone.

As the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend brings the community together, we invite you to be part of something that lasts beyond the finish line.

Support CoSA Ottawa and help build safer communities, one Circle at a time.
Donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, our runners, donors, volunteers, and supporters are helping raise awareness and critical funds for CoSA Ottawa’s work in building safer communities through connection, accountability, and reintegration.

Every donation helps support programs that reduce isolation, strengthen community safety, and provide meaningful support for individuals working toward positive change.

There’s still time to help us reach our fundraising goal before Race Weekend!

Link to donate: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa

Lace up. Show up. Make an impact✨

Today’s Runner Spotlight celebrates one of the incredible people racing for at Ottawa Race Weekend!

Their commitment reminds us that positive change happens when communities come together with compassion, accountability, and support.

Check out their quote and hear why they chose to run with Team CoSA and donate to support them: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/cosa-ottawa