The recent events in Kamloops have left many of us feeling deeply saddened and unsettled.
Seeing a group gathered in symbols and imagery associated with white supremacy, on the grounds of the former residential school—a place where Indigenous children were taken, harmed, and buried—is deeply painful. It brings forward wounds and grief that Indigenous families and communities have carried for generations.
At Archway Society for Domestic Peace, we want our Indigenous sisters, brothers, and relations to know that we see you, we honour you, and we stand with you.
We recognize the strength and courage of survivors, families, Nations, and communities who continue to carry and confront this history while facing ongoing harm.
Our solidarity comes from a place of compassion, connection, and care. We believe healing begins when we are willing to listen, face painful truths, and stand beside one another—not only when it is easy, but when it matters most.
Standing in solidarity also means being willing to learn. For those who want to better understand the history of residential schools, the experiences of survivors, and the ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities, we’ve gathered resources below. We invite you to take time to listen, learn, and reflect.
We stand with the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community. We stand with Indigenous peoples across this land. And we stand for a future where racism, hatred, and acts that reopen these wounds have no place.
Creatrix Rising has wrapped up its third year, it is a healing through arts program offered by Archway Society for Domestic Peace.
Creatrix Rising creates space for participants to explore art as part of their own therapeutic journey —one that unfolds uniquely for each individual through thoughtfully planned workshops that support them in processing what they need from the creative process. Participants build connections with each other, artist mentors, and volunteers who both challenge and support them along the way. Thirteen participants took part in 16 workshops from September through February. They gathered to explore with a wide range of mediums including watercolour, encaustic, self-portrait collage, acrylic with mixed media, and re-creation sculptures.
These sessions offered far more than technical skill-building—they created space for personal reflection and provided tools for each participant’s own therapeutic process. Artist mentors Silmara Emde and Alessandra Woodward guided with care, bringing both a love of art and an understanding of art’s power to heal, allowing each participant to move at their own pace.
As one participant shared: “Creatrix Rising has given me a space to express parts of myself that I don’t always share out loud. This program reminded me that creativity isn’t about being perfect, it’s about being honest.”
Another reflected on the deeper internal journey: “When I joined Creatrix, I carried a strong internal message: I don’t belong here… What followed was not a quick shift in confidence, but an ongoing and often uncomfortable inquiry… Why did I need permission or validation around my own lack of safety?”
A central theme this year was inspired by the red high heel from a campaign that brings awareness to gender-based violence called Walk a Mile in Her Shoes. Participants reimagined and recreated red high-heeled shoes as deeply personal art pieces, transforming them into powerful statements about identity, experience, and the stories women carry. These “art shoes” became one of the most memorable and talked-about elements of the exhibit.
The art exhibit at the conclusion of the program is shared with the community to bring awareness to healing through art and gender-based violence, and to celebrate the participants as artists. It showcases their brilliant and inspiring work. Not all participants choose to display their work, and those who do often remain anonymous or exhibit under an alias.
The Creatrix Rising exhibit for 2026 has now wrapped up. It was held at the Caetani Cultural Centre and welcomed approximately 200 visitors over nine days. Eight artists shared deeply personal and impactful works that reflected resilience, profound emotional depth, and personal healing. The exhibit invited viewers not only to witness these stories, but to pause and reflect.
One artist commented: “My art is a bridge to a greater story of exposure and liberation… a reclamation of dignity that extends beyond my own story.”
Two special events as part of this year’s exhibit are worth noting: opening night and the poetry open mic. Opening night was a vibrant celebration, opening in a good way with Margaret Clark an OKIB elder in our community, catering by Gumtree Catering, beverages from Sobre Market, live music by Orion of OM Sound, and once again a special drumming song, “Warrior Women,” shared by Cyndie and Mysterie of Big Stone Cree Nation. The exhibit opening intentionally falls near International Women’s Day to join with voices of solidarity and celebrate women all over the world. The poetry open mic brought six inspired poets to an engaged audience of 25. It was an evening that brought both smiles and tears, adding another layer of depth and storytelling through the art of words. It was a real highlight of the week by those that attended.
The whole program—and especially the exhibit—was brought to life through the dedication of Archway Society volunteers. Their care and commitment shaped every detail and really none of this could be done without their support. Also the support of our partners and sponsors is so valuable, those not mentioned yet; Kaltire, Castanet, Opus Art Supply, The Room Collection, Vernon She shed, Vernon Community Arts Centre and Catani Cultural Centre. We are thankful for all of those that support the program.
Participants consistently spoke to the profound impact of the program:
“Creatrix Rising is an incredibly liberating and positive program. It is a safe space; you are safe to explore your story with curiosity, to explore art, and to simply exist.”
“I felt the program helped me sit in uncomfortable spaces… but also allowed myself to step out of those dark spaces and continue to push through them.”
“Creatrix Rising has been very therapeutic and calming. My mind always feels free after I leave. I look forward to it each week.”
“Creatrix Rising helped me rediscover, protect, and promote my creative voice.”
“The Creatrix Rising Program continues to be an irreplaceable outlet and support for the community.”
Throughout the exhibit and the program as a whole, the art stood as a testament to courage, creativity, and transformation. Creatrix Rising continues to demonstrate the profound role art can play in healing from trauma, violence, abandonment, loss, and grief. This program offers not only a creative outlet, but a pathway toward healing.
“I am the architect of my own recovery, and the author of my own rising.” – CR Artist
Inviting hope & independence for women & children through safe, supported housing.
BC Housing, in partnership with Archway Society for Domestic Peace, and City of Vernon, is planning a 67 unit development that will provide housing for women and children impacted by domestic and sexual violence. This new community is intended to thoughtfully enhance the neighbourhood while providing important next steps towards stability, independence, and healing.
Highlights
Located at 1701 43 Avenue, Vernon, BC
Construction begins Spring 2027*
Approximate opening Summer 2029*
67 units
Mix of single-bedroom & family units
5-story building
Operated & staffed by Archway Society
On-site support services
Referrals to community resources *timelines are estimated and may shift
