Our Vision

Equality in a world free of oppression.

Our Mission

The West Kootenay Women’s Association promotes the equality and empowerment of all women, gender diverse individuals, and their children through advocacy, education and the provision of services and supports that meet their needs.

Our Purposes

As a registered charity, we comply with the purposes stated in the WKWA Constitution:

1. To promote and advocate for equitable treatment of all women and gender diverse individuals, in the belief that they have the right to control their social, economic and physical circumstances, including freedom from violence and all forms of discrimination.
2. To welcome and collaborate with women and gender diverse individuals of every race, class, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, age and spiritual or political belief.
3. To establish resources and to supply services of a charitable and educational nature to those who use the Women’s Centre.
4. To cooperate with other organizations that have objectives similar to the objectives as the West Kootenay Women’s Association.
5. To operate as a non-profit organization to administer and employ its property, assets and rights for the purpose of promoting or aiding in the promotion of the welfare of all women and gender diverse individuals.
6. To receive, acquire and hold gifts,including donations, legacies and devices, to support the work of the Nelson & District Women’s Centre.

About Nelson & District Women's Centre

The Nelson and District Women’s Centre is a place for women and gender diverse individuals to learn, connect, and be actively engaged with their own lives and their community. For over 50 years we have provided a welcoming space to build strong community, participate in diverse learning opportunities, receive compassionate support, and access free resources.

We offer free healthy food, toiletries, clothing, peer counseling, referrals and a friendly and accepting place to be. In addition, the Centre provides a 10 week free volunteer skills development training, youth projects focusing on gender-based issues, community kitchen and garden, feminist library, and many events in the community. 

Who can become a member

Membership of WKWA is open to any woman or gender diverse individual who is interested in furthering and promoting the objectives of WKWA and who resides within the boundaries of the Regional District of Central Kootenay or in the Trail-Rossland area, generally known as the West Kootenay and generally described as extending from Yahk in the east to the top of the Blueberry-Paulson in the west, and north to the Shelter Bay ferry and the northern reaches of Kootenay Lake. The CC will recognize individuals as members upon receipt of the membership form and payment of the annual membership fee.