Realizing a Potential and supporting it with Love.

Aleesa and the Spirit Bear Project

About three years ago, Shirley Yamashita-Paterson found herself unsure about how to best support her daughter Aleesa. Shirley describes Aleesa as an artist and writer. She is someone who is passionate about animals and very serious about language.  Shirley had accessed therapy services for Aleesa when she was first diagnosed with autism, but felt that socialization was the missing piece needed for her daughter. She was very concerned about Aleesa's low self-esteem. Aleesa was timid, always walked with her head down and showed no interest in her personal appearance or cleanliness. Shirley believed Aleesa needed a confidence booster in her life.

Shirley began talking with a family friend, Sonya Paterson (no relation). Sonya had her own Youth Leadership organization (Leaders Now BC), was a School Trustee at the time, and she was doing some amazing work for youth. Sonya, who knew Aleesa quite well, said, "I think Aleesa needs some kind of campaign to help her fight for the rights of animals." Aleesa had never found a place within her peer group and Shirley thought that Aleesa might feel good about herself if she had a project she could lead and engage the participation of others.

Sonya read an article in the paper about the Vancouver Olympic Committee (VANOC) call-out to the public in their search for a mascot for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The idea of the Spirit Bear Project was born.   Aleesa, a Grade 7 student at the time, drew a picture of a Spirit Bear and submitted it to VANOC asking them to choose the Spirit Bear, an endangered species whose numbers are dwindling because of the clear cutting of forests.
Along with her mentor Sonya, Aleesa set a goal to gather 1000 letters of support for the Spirit Bear to be chosen as the mascot for the Olympics.

Aleesa's school rallied behind her. To work with her on this project she chose school peers who were passionate about animals, nature and ecology and who would work with her outside of school. They attended rallies, like the End Poverty rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Aleesa collected more signed letters of support.

When someone notified Simon Jackson, an environmental advocate and founder of the Spirit Bear Youth Coalition, that Aleesa was leading the Spirit Bear Project he felt that Aleesa had come along at the right time. He had been feeling quite low and alone; his own lobbying efforts for saving the Spirit Bear's habitat had not been going well.  Simon contacted Aleesa and Sonya and he said "Yes" when they asked if he would consider speaking at their local theatre and at Aleesa's school. The media took photos of Aleesa with Simon and he signed one of Aleesa's letters to VANOC. Aleesa also met Robert Bateman, the well-known artist and naturalist. She was able to get more letters signed and even advice from other well-known people, including Dr. Temple Grandin, the world-famous animal scientist and autism self-advocate. Temple gave Aleesa pointers on how to proceed with her campaign and encouraged her to work hard and stay focused.  

Shirley remembered Sonya's words in the early stages of planning the Spirit Bear campaign.  Sonya had predicted, "This campaign will be all encompassing," and it proved to be VERY true. During the nine months of their Campaign, several reporters interviewed Aleesa and her team.  They had regular contact with CTV Olympic news reporter Mike Killeen.  The media took many photographs. Aleesa made two trips to VANOC to deliver her 700 letters. 

Shirley says that Aleesa would not be the person she is now without the experiences of the Spirit Bear Project. It was a pivotal point in her life and in the lives of others. Simon Jackson had his drive renewed because of Aleesa's efforts. Aleesa's peers participated in exciting activities that they would not have experienced without their involvement with Aleesa, like attending a private VANOC Halloween party and having their photos taken holding the Olympic torch. Shirley feels that she learned more about doing research, involvement with the media, how to think in different ways and how to be a true advocate.

Aleesa's relationships in community and with her peers have deepened.  She now has a group of people who are always watching out for her, making sure she is safe.  Aleesa has gone from being a girl who always looked down and wouldn't speak, to a local celebrity who has delivered public speeches and experienced the regular attention of the media. She became thoughtful about appearing clean and presentable.  Most recently, Aleesa has had some challenges at school for being too outspoken; something her mother, Shirley, quietly celebrates.