Searching for tranquility? Visit the redesigned Sanctuary at NDHQ (Carling)

June 16, 2022 -  Defence Stories

It’s no secret that the last two-plus years of COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges have been trying for many Defence Team members, but a return to the workplace may present a different set of difficulties for some. As part of DND/CAF efforts to ensure supports are in place for our members, a new “physical safe space” called the Sanctuary was opened on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at NDHQ (Carling). Located on the first floor of Building 5, the Sanctuary is a modernized personal, spiritual, and religious refuge, and all those who need a safe space are invited and welcome to visit.

“The Sanctuary represents an ethic of ‘Care for All’ that the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service has been advocating and striving to inculcate in our workplaces,” said Major Ryan Carter, CFSG (O-G) Senior Chaplain. “Many know what a chapel is, a space historically created for the purpose of religion-based worship. With our increased diversity, and acknowledgment that religious spaces may not be inclusive for everyone, it is important to create spaces where everyone feels safe and respected. I hope that as life comes back to Carling Campus, the Sanctuary will be a place of refuge and calm for all members of the Defence Team.”

The Sanctuary offers a large, redecorated room that provides a quiet atmosphere for prayer, meditation, and other spiritual and faith-based activities on a drop-in basis. The room can also be reserved for Defence Advisory Groups, networks, and other community gatherings. In addition, there will be smaller rooms – called capsules – available for individuals who prefer to meditate alone. These smaller rooms will be as warm and inviting as the larger one. All of the rooms have been decorated by Defence Team member Faduno Ali, civilian co-chair of the Defence Team Black Employee Network, who is an interior decorator in her private life.

“As we implement the back-to-work directives from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, we have to acknowledge that there is a chance that racialized and marginalized individuals will be going back to the oppression, racism, and other forms of discrimination they experienced pre-COVID,” said Ali. “This reality didn’t just go away due to covid-19. During the pandemic, virtual safe spaces were created for peer support, but this will not be enough moving forward. The Sanctuary will be a physical space – warm, inviting and safe – where visitors will be welcome to pursue their spiritual and faith-based activities.”

Although Tuesday’s grand opening took place at NDHQ (Carling), there are Chapels and dedicated sacred spaces located across the National Capital Region. Defence Team members may visit Chaplain services or contact their local base for more information about services and spaces.