YWCA Archive Project

As an organization with a long history, we have a responsibility to better understand, acknowledge and address our complicity in historic and current colonial practices. To make steps towards this commitment, the YWCA has embarked on a project to archive and research our historic materials and develop a plan for redress.

The Project

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action 67 to 70 focus on museums and archives. In alignment with our Strategic Plan, the YWCA is committed to understanding, acknowledging and addressing our past.

With support from the UBC Community University Engagement Support (CUES) Fund, we partnered with UBC Library and Rare Books and Special Collections to catalogue, preserve and share YWCA BC’s records. These archives date back to our earliest years in the region and are now accessible to the public and the research community.

Guided by the principles of Indigenous data management and sovereignty and supported by the leadership of an Indigenous researcher and advisory council, we are undertaking research to better understand YWCA BC’s participation in colonial assimilation practices.

Project Updates

Our archives are now catalogued and available to the public through the Rare Books and Special Collections at UBC.

Reciprocal Consulting supported the YWCA in developing a project framework and research plan. We then hired Carden Consulting and, with guidance from Laara Yagujanas and our internal working committee, recruited a council of advisors that includes representatives from Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil‑Waututh and the Downtown Eastside community.

Using an Indigenous Action Research framework, we have begun archival research. The council, Strong Women Healing Together, is guiding each stage of the project.

We will continue to share updates with the community as the work progresses.

A drum, drumsticks, and feathers on a red blanket.

Working towards Truth and Reconciliation

The lasting impact of colonial injustices continues to deeply affect Indigenous peoples, leading to economic disparities, social and cultural inequities and intergenerational trauma.

YWCA BC is committed to acknowledging historical truths, gaining a deeper understanding of the consequences of colonialism, fostering stronger relationships with Host Nations and Indigenous communities, and actively contributing to the process of reconciliation.

learn more

For more information on YWCA archives, contact Amy Juschka at ajuschka@ywcabc.org.