A women’s portfolio was created by Heiltusk Tribal Council (HTC) not to be exclusive, but to highlight the sexual violence against women who come forward, in community, in a healing and supportive way. 

Advocating for the wellness of all comes from a traditional value of community and, in part, looking at the positive outcomes of cultural practices that protect women from mistreatment and sexual violence. 

The portfolio’s objective is to spread awareness to our entire community that women have the right to safety, security, and respect. 

Pressure is on to address the structural inequalities in our society today and HTC has and will continue to implement safe spaces for women to speak honestly about their experience, and get the support needed to facilitate a change in the whole of our community against sexual violence.

Gender-based violence is an issue that concerns men, women, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Unfortunately, women and LGBTQIA+ members are the ones most at risk of experiencing its dangerous effects, and unfairly they are also the ones handed the responsibility of addressing and stopping these harmful behaviours. 

Our women’s portfolio seeks to increase resource knowledge for survivors of sexual violence, consider the communication and language being put out to the community to ensure that the message of safety for women is being enforced, and to increase public awareness.