Dr. Helen Brown (she / her) is an Associate Professor with the UBC School of Nursing. Dr. Brown’s research brings critical perspectives to studies aimed at improving health and social equity for rural and remote Indigenous communities. Using community-based and participatory methods she has worked with First Nations communities across Western Canada on projects that align with community priorities around health, wellness, cultural continuity and language revitalization.
She is currently the lead on a program of research that investigates impacts of a prison-community partnership program on Indigenous inmate and community health, wellbeing and rehabilitation.

Kelsey (she / her): I’m a 4th generation settler and PhD student in Interdisciplinary Studies at UBC, and work across a number of Participatory Action and Peer-led Research projects with Indigenous Peoples and others disproportionately impacted by the colonial carceral system in Canada.
My background is in public health and food justice, and all of my work is founded on a commitment to health and social equity, and the joy of supporting communities to take part in the transformative power of art and storytelling.
In a previous life I spent a decade as a professional cook, and have a longstanding belief in the ability of food to bring people together. I love hiking up mountains with my tent on my back and making elaborate meals for others. I am incredibly grateful to have the honour and responsibility of living on the unceded territories of the Halq’eméylem speaking Peoples of the Stό:lō Nations.

Samantha Young (she / her) is a freelance artist, art instructor at the City of Burnaby, Project Coordinator with the UBC Transformative Health & Justice Research Cluster and Research Assistant with ART & Justice. She is on the board of directors for Menstruation REDefined and Unlocking the Gates Services Society. Samantha got her BFA in Drawing and Painting on a full scholarship from OCADU, specializing in Indigenous studies and art education. Her work experience is in arts programming, administration, project coordination, grant writing and working with people that have complex care needs. Samantha’s aspiration is to work in a field that makes an impact on people’s lives.
What does art mean to you?
I see art as a way to speak in a different language, but this language can be understood universally and not just for a select group. Art allows you to share a different form of expression and understanding, which allows for different forms of engagement and influences in those that view it. Art can be recycled, collaborated upon, temporary, or a piece of history. I like that you are able to chose what art wants to be for you, there are no rights or wrongs, just creativity.

Angelee is an artist with many years of experience. She uses mixed media with mostly found objects. Angelee’s artwork has been shown in several galleries throughout the country and she also facilitates community art workshops. Angelee has been a passionate member of the A.R.T. & Justice team since she joined in 2022. She is also a public speaker, advocate, and teacher with a special interest in prison art and artists. Dogs are her true love. She works as a dog trainer and boards
dogs at her house. In fact, Angelee’s work sometimes contains accidental dog footprints which turn out to be just what the piece needs. The universe provides.