Shanna Grant-Warmald wins 2015 SFU Hummingbird Award

Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Restorative Justice is pleased to announce this year’s winner of the SFU Hummingbird Award is Shanna Grant-Warmald of Restorative Justice Victoria.

The SFU Hummingbird Award, presented annually, recognizes the continuing legacy of the compassionate and courageous spirit of Liz Elliott, co-founder of the Centre for Restorative Justice and former faculty member of the School of Criminology, who passed away from cancer in 2011. The award recognizes the tenacious spirit of hummingbirds who declare themselves to the values and relationships that build and sustain healthy communities.

Grant-Warmald is a worthy recipient of the award with more than a decade of service to restorative justice. She devotes both her professional and personal life to helping victims, offenders and communities heal from the impacts and influences of crime. Her work at Restorative Justice Victoria involves an active role in helping at-risk youth and providing emotional support to victims of crime.

“Shanna personifies the compassionate and courageous spirit of SFU’s Hummingbird Award; in turn, her heartfelt spirit inspires others. Her declaration of spirit has been recognized by her home community and we are proud to recognize her place along with our founding hummingbird, Dr. Liz Elliott,” says Brenda Morrison, director of the Centre for Restorative Justice.

Grant-Warmald’s commitment goes beyond her professional career: she’s an energetic volunteer dedicated to serving her community through education and support.  She continues to educate herself on restorative justice practices, and gives numerous presentations to community groups to share her knowledge. She also fundraises for Restorative Justice Victoria to help boost the organization’s ability to provide much-needed services.

“While restorative justice services within our office have limited scope, Shanna recognizes that meaningful participation in healing and recovering from crime requires a holistic platform, including basic needs, mental health and support. I have seen her spend collective hours researching outside resources, making connections, and helping a client in need access support,” says Daye Cooper, volunteer facilitator and mentor at Restorative Justice Victoria.

The Centre for Restorative Justice, in partnership with the John Howard Society, will recognize Grant-Warmald at the 5th Annual Liz Elliott Memorial Lecture on November 16, 2015. The lecture takes place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the SFU Theatre, at SFU’s Burnaby campus. Registration is appreciated, but not required. RSVP to crimcomm@sfu.ca.