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
Creatrix Rising – Exploring Stories through Art – Art Exhibit
Archway Society for Domestic Peace wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the Creatrix Rising Art Exhibit such a success! From the volunteers and many visitors who came through the exhibit to the generous artist mentors and supporters who helped bring it all together—this event was truly a celebration of creativity and bravery of the incredible 6 artists who shared their creative works of art.
Creatrix Rising is a program of Archway Society that helps survivors of domestic violence explore their stories through art. From September through February 2025, art workshops in a variety of mediums were offered by artist mentors. Some of the participants, which we also refer to as the artists, choose to put their art into the Creatrix Rising Exhibit.
The Creatrix Rising Exhibit opened on March 7th with a great celebratory opening night, with live music bringing an artistic ambience throughout the evening. The exhibit was open until March 13th for visitors to drop in during open hours and enjoy the exhibit in a thoughtful way, more fully engaging with the emotional expressions within the art work. In total the exhibit welcomed 104 visitors. The response from visitors brought rave reviews, with several pieces being purchased, which brought a lot of delight to the artists. Guests described the exhibit as “Powerful,” “Inspiring,” and “Heart-warming and breaking all at once.”
Thank you again to all involved for making Creatrix Rising such a meaningful and unforgettable experience. We look forward to more opportunities to create, connect, and inspire together with our partners.
This Art Exhibit and journey of healing could not have been done without the generosity of our Funders;
UBCO through PRE Fund (Partnership, Recognition and Exploration fund) Award from The Leon and Thea Koerner Legacy Fund
Exhibit Sponsors:
Caetani Centre
Gum tree Catering
Farming Karma Fruit Co.
The Room Collection
Fair View Family Law
Our Workshop Partners;
Vernon Community Arts Centre
Opus Art Supplies
Caetani House
Our Artist Mentors;
Alessandra Woodward
Asana Hughes
Silmara Emde
Auroara Leigh
our Volunteer Committee Members;
Alessandra Woodward
Asana Hughes
Jody Swart
Patty Farmer
Sue Rooks
Charlotte Barker
Other Volunteers:
Maliya Canty
Bonnie Cameron
Grace Erikson
Brigitte Stass
Opening Night Volunteers and program contributors:
• Margret Clark – Community Elder OKIB – Welcome • Cindy Klassen – CR program lead – MC • Micki Materi – Archway Society ED – Archway spokesperson • Cyndie Roufousse and Daughter Mystery – Indigenous drummers/singers – Song Share • Auroara Leigh – Artist Mentor – song share • Orion Miller – musician – Mood setting music through the evening • Charlotte Baker, Patti farmer, Sue Rooks, Sharon Gaudry and Asana Hughes – Volunteers • Photographer – Seraya Klassen
Tim Hortons second-annual Holiday Smile Cookie campaign is returning from Nov. 18 to 24 with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to local charities and community groups, including Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Last year, Tims guests helped raise $9.8 million through the inaugural Holiday Smile Cookie campaign. The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie is a delicious white chocolate sugar cookie infused with red and green sprinkles and hand-decorated with a white icing smile face.
This year, we’re very proud to announce that Archway Society for Domestic Peace has been selected as a recipient of Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie fundraiser! From Nov. 18 to 24, 100 per cent of proceeds from each Holiday Smile Cookie sold at a Vernon or Lumby Tim Hortons will help to support Archway Society and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Unfortunately, violence against women is far more common than we realize— two in five Canadian women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Many may not know that a friend, neighbour or coworker could be affected by domestic violence, as 80 per cent of intimate partner violence cases continue to go unreported.
While many communities across Canada are experiencing a significant spike in intimate partner violence since 2020, shelters across the country lack adequate funds to support the high number of women and children escaping domestic violence. The number of women and children served by our Transition House increased 62% since the last fiscal year. 226 women were served for a total of 3056 night stays, with 113 children served for a total of 2240 night stays.
Organizations like Archway Society for Domestic Peace help women who experience intimate partner violence, providing life-saving services such as safe shelter (transition house program), counselling, Justice advocacy, child and youth advocacy, outreach services, and collaborative community projects. Our agency is invaluable in the community, providing support and counselling through 18 programs across 6 locations in the North Okanagan, designed to assist women, children and families in need.
Sweeten Your Coffee Breaks Imagine the joy of sharing delicious Smile Cookies with your team, paired perfectly with your coffee. Not only will you be enjoying a treat, but you’ll also be spreading smiles within your organization and throughout our community.
How to Get Involved • Bulk Orders: Make it a group effort by placing a bulk order for your team or organization. It’s a great way to foster team spirit while supporting a worthy cause. • Spread the Word: Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to participate. The more cookies sold, the greater the impact we can make together. Click here to download a fillable bulk cookie order form that can be emailed to your favourite local Tim Hortons (locations and email addresses are on the form)
For more information email engagement@archwaysociety.ca or call 250-309-8401
Each year, Archway Society for Domestic Peace works extremely hard to provide a wide range of supportive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in the North Okanagan community. On May 25, 2024, we’re excited to finally bring back the Black Dress Gala Fundraiser to help us with this mission.
This will be the first time this event has been held since 2019 and we are thrilled to bring it back to the community! As one of Vernon’s most popular events we know with your help we can make this our most impactful fundraiser yet!
Archway Society has been hosting this event for over eight years. This year, we’ve made a few updates, including a new venue and date. As you are aware, costs have increased exponentially since 2019, meaning support from local businesses is more important to us than ever before. A successful event will ensure that we can continue supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through community programs, we can provide accessible and free counselling for women, children and families, outreach services for women in rural areas, victim support through the justice system and advocacy services for children and youth who have been abused or neglected.
This glamorous ladies night event is being held at the Coldstream Community Hall. An evening of extraordinary women, style and celebration! Archway Society for Domestic Peace is pleased to be hosting the 9th annual Black Dress Gala fundraiser.
The evening will begin with a welcome beverage as you take in the glitz and glamour of the brand-new Coldstream Community Hall. Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner catered by the locally owned, award-winning Gumtree Catering. There will be an amazing Live auction as well as a raffle to win incredible prizes! Then we will dance the night away with one of the Okanagan’s only female DJ’s – Sunset Sound Escapade DJ!
Proceeds from this event will go towards Archway Society’s community programs, supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. All funds stay in the North Okanagan and directly support Archway’s work with women, children and families.
Creatrix Rising – Exploring Stories through Art – Art Show
RSVP is only required for Opening Night
Archway Society for Domestic Peace started an art project called Creatrix Rising in fall 2023, this initiative offers a series of art workshops and an art exhibit for women who are survivors of domestic and sexual violence to participate and grow in. Participants have the chance to express themselves through various art forms, to heal and explore their stories through art. Workshops in clay molding, acrylic, poetry, water colour, voice expression and more have brought the creatrix out in each women. Creatrix Rising was launched because women in Archway programs asking for an opportunity to share their art and grow as artists and because we desire to offer the power art has in the journey to healing. We have already begun to see the impact their art expressions have had on them and it is powerful.
The Creatrix Rising Art Show runs March 5 to 14 – Caetani Centre at 3401 Pleasant Valley Rd in Vernon,
Opening Night event on Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day) from 5 – 8 pm.
Exhibit open for free viewing the following dates:
Tuesday, March 5 – 12 – 3pm
Wednesday, March 6 – 12 – 3pm
Thursday, March 7 – 12-3 pm
Opening Night: Friday, March 8 – 5-8 pm – this is the only night where an RSVP is required.
Saturday, March 9 – 1 – 3pm
Monday March 11 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Tuesday March 12 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Wednesday March 13 – 12 – 3pm & 5 – 7pm
Thursday, March 14 – 12 – 3pm
The Opening Night event will be an opportunity for the women to feel celebrated and for those visiting the exhibit engage and reflect on how they have presented their stories. RSVP’s are required (for this date only) no later than March 3.
You are invited to join us at this come-and-go opening on March 8. You’ll be treated to appetizers, a complimentary beverage and to join these amazing artists in Exploring Stories through Art.
If you would like to attend our Opening Night event, please RSVP here. (by March 3). Inquiries can be sent to volunteer@archwaysociety.ca
This Art Exhibit and journey of healing could not have been done without the generosity of our Funders;
– UBCO through PRE Fund (Partnership, Recognition and Exploration fund) – Vernon & District immigrant & Community Services from the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program Research Partnership – Vernon Alliance Community Initiative fund – Vernon Elks #45
and our Workshop Partners;
– Vernon Community Arts Centre – Opus Art Supplies – Nadine’s Fine Art & Framing – Caetani House
