What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Archway Society for Domestic Peace

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Archway Society for Domestic Peace

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At Archway Society for Domestic Peace, we believe every person deserves to live free from domestic and sexual violence. Everyone deserves to be safe.

We walk alongside individuals and families in the North Okanagan as they find safety, healing, and strength. We are committed to empowering our community to live in a society free from violence. There is help! If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or sexual violence please reach out. If you need support or a safe place to stay our Transition House door is always open. We are here 24 hours a day 7 days a week. If you are in immediate danger, dial 911

Please note this page is not monitored outside regular business hours.

10/31/2026

Women & Violence, 1990 - 2000

In 1989, 14 women of Polytechnique Montréal were murdered in an act of femicide, sparking the creation of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6th), in 1991.

This tragic event was a catalyst for action against gender-based violence that was previously hidden in the shadows.

📖 More Milestones:

1990 - The Supreme Court rules that battered wife syndrome is a legitimate defense against a murder charge.

1991 - R**e victim Jane Doe sues the Metro Toronto police for neglecting to warn and protect her against a serial s*x criminal, police believed women would become hysterical if warned about a serial ra**st. The Court of Appeal allows her to proceed with her $600,000 lawsuit.

1991 - Parliament declared December 6 The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Under pressure from women’s groups the r**e law was amended to include a definition of consent.

1992 - Dr. Roberta Bondar became the first neurologist in space and Canada’s first woman in space.

1993 - Jean Augustine became the first Black Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons.

1993 - Kim Cambell became the first woman Prime Minister of Canada.

1996 - The Canadian Human Rights Act was amended to prohibit discrimination on the grounds of s*xual orientation.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Statistics Canada

10/30/2026

Women & Childcare, 1980 - 1990

In the 1980s, the focus shifted onto who should provide day care services as well as funding and administration of childcare programs. In particular, the debate of private vs nonprofit care dominated the conversation.

Shortly before the 1984 federal election, the Liberal government announced a Task Force on Child Care to be led by BC sociologist Katie Cooke. The Task Force was a Ministerial Task Force with four expert members, under Status of Women Canada. Its mandate was to examine the need for child care services and paid parental leave, as well as the federal government's role in the development of a system of quality child care in Canada.

📖 More Milestones:

1981 - Women’s rights, ensuring equality before and under the law, were enshrined in the new Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

1981 - Dr. Dyck was the first Indigenous woman to earn a Ph.D. in biological psychiatry. She was appointed to the Senate on March 24, 2005.

1983 - NDP MP Margaret Mitchell Gets Heckled Over Domestic Abuse Speech By Male MPs bringing national attention to the formerly silent topic of spousal violence in Canada.

1983 - Jeanne Sauve was appointed Governor General of Canada, the first woman to hold this post.

1987 - Combat roles in the Royal Canadian Air Force, such as flying fighter aircraft, were opened to women for the first time.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Statistics Canada

10/30/2026

Having experienced difficult times throughout the year, both emotionally and/or financially, receiving gifts at this time of year can be incredibly meaningful.

Give back this holiday season and sponsor an individual or family through Archway's Holiday Hamper Program.

🎁 LEARN MORE: archwaysociety.ca/christmas-hampers

Each year, the program grows, and this year we expect to be filling 75-80 hamper wish lists! We depend on support from families, community members, and businesses to fill these hampers!

10/29/2026

Women & Equality Rights, 1970 - 1980

In the 1970s, amidst the Women’s Liberation Movement, was the beginning of an early intersectional approach, addressing women’s issues in relation to status, race, and legislation.

Notably in 1970, when the report of the Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada was tabled in Parliament. It included recommendations on updating the legislative system and addressing such critical issues for women as poverty, family law, the Indian Act, and the need for a federal representative for women.

More Milestones:

1972 - Twins Sharon and Shirley Firth were the first Canadian women to compete in four straight Olympics.

1974 - The RCMP hires its first woman officer.

1977 - The Canadian Human Rights Act was passed, forbidding discrimination on the basis of s*x and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value for women.

1979 - Nellie J. Cournoyea, an Inuvialuit woman, was elected to the Legislature of the Northwest Territories, becoming the first Indigenous woman to lead a provincial or territorial government in Canada.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Statistics Canada

10/29/2026

Women & Reproductive Rights, 1960 – 1970

The 1960s marked the beginning of the Women’s Liberation Movement in Canada, also referred to as second-wave feminism. This movement through to the 1980s focused on peace and disarmament, equality in education and employment, birth control, and an end to violence against women.

Women fought hard to strengthen and control their own bodies during this period. Birth control and abortion laws were disrupted and challenged - leading to the Supreme Court of Canada striking down abortion law as a violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights of Freedoms, and permitting birth control to be manufactured, sold, and advertised across Canada.

📖 More Milestones:

1960 - Canadian Voice of Women for Peace (VOW) is founded.

1961 - Pauline Johnson was a poet, writer, artist, and performer, and the first woman to be featured on a Canadian stamp.

1967- Dr. Henry Morgentaler urges the repeal of the abortion laws and later opens an abortion clinic in Montreal.

1967 - The Royal Commission on the Status of Women in Canada was established and was the first Commission to be chaired by a woman, Florence Bird.

1968 - McGill University students produced the “Birth Control Handbook”.

1969- The Criminal Code is amended to permit abortions under certain circumstances. In some hospitals, ther**eutic abortion committees are formed.

1969 - Rejane Laberge-Colas was the first woman in Canada to be appointed as a judge to a Superior Court.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Statistics Canada

10/28/2026

🐾 Accredited Facility Dogs are trained to perform specialized tasks (or tricks) in service of a program or facility!

At Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre London is trained to provide comfort to children and youth during forensic interviews, court testimony, and counselling sessions.

Tricks such as “Hug” are an opportunity for children and youth to hug and pet London, easing fear and building trust! 🤍

To keep showing up for children and youth in moments of crisis, London needs consistent tail-wagging care!

🎟️ Enter our 50/50 RAFFLE and win up to $12,500: https://archwaysociety.rafflenexus.com/

Draw is November 7th, 2026!

10/27/2026

Women & Equal Pay, 1950 - 1960

The 1950s marked a time of moving toward equal pay for equal work.

Laws were introduced to combat workplace discrimination and close the gender wage gap, with the Female Employees Equal Pay Act implemented in 1956, which made wage discrimination based on s*x against the law.

Though, today in Canada the wage gap still exists, with women aged 15 years or older earning on average 88 cents to every dollar earned by men.

📖 More Milestones:

1951 - Ontario passes the Fair Employment Practices Act (creating fines and a complaints system to minimize discrimination) and the Female Employees Fair Remuneration Act (to tackle the gender wage gap).

1952 - Restrictions are removed on married women working in the federal public services. Previously, female public service employees were fired after getting married.

1954 - Elsie Knott, an Ojibwa woman and member of the Curve Lake First Nation in Ontario became the first woman elected chief of a First Nation Community in Canada

1957 - Ellen Louks Fairclough was the first woman to be appointed to the federal Cabinet.

1960 - All women in Canada were granted the right to vote in federal elections. Before 1960 Indigenous women could not vote unless they had lost or given up their treaty rights and “Indian Status”.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia, Statistics Canada

10/23/2026

Volunteer Spotlight 🌿 Meet Gina!

Gina has been a volunteer for 2 years and has been a key contributor to our Creatrix Rising program and memorial garden design.

She has lent many valuable hours to Archway Society, and we are so grateful for her dedication and care.

10/22/2026

Women & The War Effort, 1940 - 1950

Record numbers of women are employed in traditionally male work as part of the war effort.

Women's labour was once again needed for war-time production in factories, shipyards, and am******on plants. At first, only a single woman was recruited. As demands for war-time production grew, however, childless married women and later women with children were also recruited.

The women’s war effort raised awareness of the important contribution that women made outside of the home – and challenged the stereotype that women were unable to do so-called “men’s work." War work also gave many women financial independence – women realized that they could work outside of the home without neglecting their children.

📖 More Milestones:

1941 - Women’s Divisions are established in the Army Corps and the Royal Canadian Navy with over 45,000 women volunteers recruited.

1949 - Nancy Hodges was named Speaker of the BC Legislature, the first woman to hold the post of Speaker in the British Commonwealth.

1949 - Indigenous people in British Columbia were granted the right to vote in provincial elections.

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Sources: Canada Women’s Foundation, Government of Canada, The Canadian Encyclopedia

10/22/2026

🐾 What is an Accredited Facility Dog?

Accredited Facility Dogs (AFD) are highly trained to provide service to many individuals through a facility or program. They offer comfort, assist with emotional regulation, and help create a sense of security.

At Oak Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (Oak CYAC) London, Archway's own AFD, supports children, youth, and their families who have experienced abuse, s*xual assault or witnessed a crime.

Incorporating facility dogs into our CYAC services helps children feel safe and supported during therapy, forensic interviews, and court appearances.

👉 To keep showing up for children and youth in moments of crisis, London needs consistent, tail-wagging care — that's where you come in!

In support of London’s first three years on the job we want you to join us in raising $25,000 before November 30th!

50/50 TICKETS: archwaysociety.rafflenexus.com
DONATE: canadahelps.org/en/dn/149460

Address

2400 46 Avenue
Vernon, BC
V1T9N5

Opening Hours

Monday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12505583850

Website

https://www.archwaysociety.ca/, https://linktr.ee/archwaysociety

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