Part of the Aki no Tabi event at the JCCC! More on Aki no Tabi Led by artist Erica H. Isomura and peer support worker Nico Koyanagi, this interactive workshop invites community members to reflect on their personal stories through writing prompts, dialogue, and a hands-on paper craft activity. Through group sharing, we hope to surface both shared and divergent community narratives — building deeper understanding and compassion for ourselves and one another. Participants will create a handmade "pocket altar" to take home: a small talisman to carry forward, encouraging continued reflection and intention-setting through the changing season ahead. Artist Bios Erica H. Isomura is an artist, writer, and educator whose work is rooted in community. She was raised by a Chinese Canadian mom and sansei dad on the west coast beside the Sto:lo (Fraser River). Erica's inter- and multi-disciplinary practice combines storytelling, book arts, printmaking, collage and mixed-media art with land-based and critical diasporic knowledge. Erica has taught community art, bookmaking, and creative writing workshops across Canada. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph. Nico Koyanagi is a mixed-race yonsei, registered social worker, community organizer, educator, and mediator who prioritizes connection and healing in all aspects of her work. She grew up as a settler in Nogojiwanong on Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg territory (Peterborough, ON). Through her community work with the BIPOC Growing Collective, Mata Ashita, and Tsuru for Solidarity, Nico is interested in how we can live with more compassion, kindness, and care towards ourselves, each other, and the earth alongside challenging oppression in all forms. Images 1: Photo by Kayla Isomura