Local Leader Spotlight

Deb Walker

Meet Deb Walker, a local leader and United Church Minister who is committed to reconciliation and passionate about healthy, sustainable communities.

Deb Walker is the minister of connection and social justice for Shaughnessy Heights United Church in Vancouver. She has been serving communities as a United Church Minister for 20 years in Western Canada, most recently as lead minister at St Paul’s United Church in Saskatoon.

Deb also has experience with volunteer organizations and nonprofits, as a supporter, board member and volunteer. She participated in the inaugural cohort of Sierra Club BC’s Mother Tree Local Leaders Program in 2023. In her public and private life, Deb is committed to the work of reconciliation; speaking out, leading events and seeking to live out the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Deb is also passionate about healthy, sustainable communities.

Last December, Deb wrote an op-ed about the important role faith leaders play in the environmental movement and her journey to COP28 in Dubai. As COP29 gets underway in Baku, Azerbaijan, this week, we invite you to take a look back at Deb’s op-ed. Read it here.

Read on to learn more about Deb and her inspiring work. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Meet Deb Walker, a local leader and United Church Minister who is committed to reconciliation and passionate about healthy, sustainable communities. (Photo supplied by Deb Walker).

How did you get involved with environmental work?

I have an undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology, my student days were spent working with The Canadian Forestry Service. I come to this with an appreciation and astonishment of the wonder and beauty of this natural world. These are values and passions that have been encouraged and supported by my family of origin and my faith.

What are some of the gifts your organization brings in this critical moment?

Our organization is ‘blessed’ with a large footprint and historic legacy in a prominent neighbourhood in Vancouver. We are asking all the tough questions about what it means to have that footprint in a time such as this. Every decision we make as individuals and as members of this community has the potential to be for Climate Justice. It’s all connected.

How can we use the glorious space for cooling? Relief from poor air quality? Other extreme weather conditions.

We have members from all over the lower mainland, who visit their MP’s, write letters and make appointments with other provincial and civic leaders.

What inspired you to attend COP?

Becoming involved with the Mother Tree Local Leaders Program placed me in an extraordinary circle of like-minded folks – through the network of meeting folks in person and incredible facilitators online (thank you COVID) — as well as a host of transformative experiences, all of this paved my pathway to COP28.

Did attending COP change your perspective?

Yes. I became attuned to the corrupt greenwashing message of corporations that do not have climate justice as their top priority. I was filled with inspiration from youth and advocates from the Global South and Island Nations. I also came away utterly convinced that my faith demands my participation in climate justice. Every single day. I also came home with the conviction that I am not alone, and that all things are possible for the healing of creation.

COP28 delegates attend a Dec. 3, 2023, discussion called Moving Faith Forward: Youth Leadership and Faith-Based Climate Advocacy. (Photo by Deb Walker).

How did Sierra Club BC support you?

I have been supported and inspired by the work and the incredible staff of SCBC. The laser focus, the foot to the pedal, the triple threat of: policy change, respect of Indigenous knowledge, and the invitation to change hearts and minds is a message that resonates with my own yearning.

What advice do you have for other folks who want to take action?

I have found community is the best antidote for climate despair. I try to engage daily with like-minded folks who acknowledge that this work is complicated and worth it. I choose to participate in positive, evidence-based information, Science Moms, KAIROS, Climate Intercessors, AROCHA Canada, anything by Katherin Hayhoe and Christiana Figueres.

The future will be determined by our commitment to living out our values. Real education happens through important personal connection, shared behaviour and commonly held expectations of abundant life for all of creation. Our combined action must be local, relentless and based on self-giving humility and gratitude with legacy building in our hearts and minds.