Our Purpose

Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society would like to acknowledge that we are on the unceded traditional territory of Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations.

In October 7, 1981, Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society was formed as a grassroots organization dedicated to the prevention of violence against women and support for women, children and youth impacted by violence or abuse. We provide a transition house and safe home for women and children who are leaving abusive relationships or at risk of experiencing violence and otherwise unsafe living conditions, support, resources, referrals and advocacy. Comprised of 32 passionate employees and a dedicated volunteer base, we serve the needs of women and children in the Sea to Sky Corridor including Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and the Nations of N’Quatqua, Samahquam, Lil’wat, Skatin, Xa’xtsa, and Squamish. The population in our service area is more than 36,000 disbursed over approximately 200 kilometres.

Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society is the only service provider in the Sea to Sky Corridor that works from a feminist perspective, offering a unique set of helping services to women and their children.

Our Mission

Howe Sound Women’s Centre Society promotes women’s equality and the empowerment of women and their children. We work from a feminist* perspective. By responding to and working for change, we honour the diversity of women’s lives and meet the evolving needs of women and children throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor.

*Women and men who believe in women’s rights and equality throughout society.

Our Vision

Howe Sound Women’s Centre envisions a day when all women and their children are valued and lead healthy lives – supported, connected to the community and violence-free.

Story of the Turtle

Our turtle logo is rooted in spiritual lore. Its circular shape makes the turtle a powerful spirit representing inspiration, healing and strength. Turtles are rooted in the most stable of elements, the earth, which sustains us all from the time we are born.
In tribal creation stories, the turtle told the creatures of the earth, “I have a large, strong back. Ask Sky Woman to come and have her children on my back so that they can grow up among the creatures of the earth and learn early the Harmony in which we should live.”