Values & Principles
Promoting the health of self-identified women and girls through provision of low-barrier health programs and services, sharing knowledge and providing health education in a safe environment.
Gender Inclusive
Our programs, services and activities are open to all people who self-identify as women and girls, Two-Spirited, transgender and non-binary people and their children. We welcome individuals with diverse gender identities, expressions and sexual orientations, and strive to provide gender-affirming health and wellness support.
Woman Centered
We understand that in addition to providing safety and respect, all of our programs must invite and encourage women’s collaboration and that women must have the opportunity to be active participants in all of our services.
Choice
We support women’s right to make informed choices about her health and health care especially when it comes to her own body. We are committed to promoting sex education, access to contraception, direct referrals to community resources and partner services for safe abortions, maternity and menopausal care.
Cultural Safety
The Collective strives to support, collaborate, and build connections with Indigenous communities whose territories we reside on. We recognize the cultural diversity of the Cowichan region and aim to provide programs and services based on relationships of mutual trust, respect, and connection.
Trauma Informed
We believe women’s experience of discrimination and gender based violence including sexism, racism, and colonialism is interconnected and their influences need to be examined in context with each other. All are recognized as key contributors to trauma-related behaviors impacting health. We are committed to providing trauma-informed care as defined as practices that promote a culture of safety, empowerment and healing.
Prevention Focused
We are committed to supporting community partner programs who work with women and children whose lived experiences are impacted by child apprehension. We recognize the permanent harm caused by maternal and child separation for reasons of inter-generational trauma, violence, poverty, racism, colonialism, gendered patterns of drug use/harms, and lack of support for mothering. We support the need to better understand the inter-connected impacts of cultural, social, emotional, mental, and physical factors that affect women, children, families and the Cowichan Community’s health as a whole, and to develop programs that increase opportunities for women to keep themselves, their children and the entire community safe and free from harm.
Harm Reduction
We aim to provide non-judgmental and respectful care that supports the dignity and autonomy of all of our clientele, as well as referrals to appropriate services and organizations. Our goal is ultimately to mitigate harmful impacts of substance abuse, and promote and support rehabilitation and recovery.