Introduction of Bowen’s inaugural Poet Laureate, Jude Neale

Jude Neale is a Canadian poet, vocalist, spoken word performer, mentor, photographer, visual artist, and classically trained opera singer who has lived on Bowen Island for 40 years. She is the author of 14 books, with work published by Canadian presses including Ekstasis Editions and Guernica Editions. Her poetry has been recognized in national and international competitions, and her work is known for its emotional clarity, musicality and deep attention to the human experience.

A former teacher of 30 years at BICS, Jude brings to the Poet Laureate role a lifelong commitment to language, creativity, and community. She has taught writing workshops locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally, including a 10-week online writing workshop for teens through Outschool. She has also worked with women’s groups and seniors, and is especially interested in intergenerational workshops that bring seniors and teens together through poetry, story and shared experience.

Jude’s life and work are deeply rooted in Bowen Island. Over four decades, she has been part of the island’s creative and community life, including singing for many years with the community choir. As Bowen Island’s inaugural Poet Laureate, she hopes to offer poetry as a welcoming place for the community to gather. 

Through workshops, public readings, original poems, civic appearances and collaborations with the Hearth, the Bowen library, and community organizations, Jude's goal is to make poetry accessible, alive, and rooted in the daily life of Bowen — a way of paying attention, deepening connection, and celebrating the shared life of the island.