If I knew then ...

I often get asked the question how did you know that communities needed a drivers license and I have to tell you that I didn't know.  What I did do was listen to the answer when the question was asked, what do people need to go to work and the answer almost every time was a drivers license.  

It seemed like it would be an easy fix.  In my own experience after all, earning a drivers license was a quick multiple choice test and a month in the car driving around with my boyfriend (at the time).  

How things have changed....

I never thought to consider my privilege of having parents, or the fact that I had access to a car to learn and that the system I was about to encounter would be far from equitable.  

You see, before the issue of resolving a lack of drivers license, there is first the need for ID and then of course the eye exam where we are again faced with limited resources and access to services like Service BC or Optometrists.

In truth, these issues can present walls that feel hard to climb (and truly oceans to cross) in communities that are located on isolated islands off the coast of British Columbia.  

However ....

Together we learned to climb those walls (and cross those oceans) and in the process, countless times we've turned around collectively to support others to rise.   There are days (and I'm sure we've all had them) where it still feels overwhelming.  And there are days where I can't believe the success of our students unfolding before my eyes.  

I've watched people get their kids back!  Students have started businesses...

People have found sobriety and deep healing that has spread throughout communities and as I write these words - I can't help but feel overwhelmed at the entire adventure.  

Indigenous people have always known of the work that needed to be done and I feel incredibly honoured to be on this journey.  It is my hope that this website and the services you will find here will be of support to those looking to earn their drivers license and those looking to have their drivers license reinstated.  

This resource will grow in the coming months with a focus on tools to empower communities to create supports internally.  I am committed to sharing with you everything that I've learned and if I don't know I will strive to learn beside you as we work together to secure transportation and independence for our communities and our friends.  

In the beginning If I knew the challenges and the stories that were to come, I don't know that I could have had the courage to have started down this road ...  What an experience we have travelled together.  

Thank you for being here, thank you for trusting me and let me express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity to be of service.

Lucy Sager ~