About us
Our mission
West Island CALACS is an intersectional feminist organization that fights against sexual assault. It offers services to cis and trans women, as well as to all trans, Two-spirit and non-binary people, and provides prevention services to the community.
Vision statement
We wish to eliminate sexual assault and live in a world exempt of violence. To do this, support, prevention and advocacy services must exist in continuous interaction. We wish to build a society composed of members that are economically, socially and politically equal and abolish all systems of oppression, while recognizing the intersection between patriarchy and other contexts of oppression. The values that guide our work are equality, solidarity and empowerment.
Our values
Equality
Shared power exercised without discrimination and equitable and inclusive treatment of all women, trans, Two-spirit and non-binary people.
Solidarity
Individual and collective commitment to the respect and achievement of the mission.
Empowerment
An action in which women, trans, Two-spirit and non-binary people, whether they are workers, activists or board members are encouraged both to achieve personal and common aspirations using their own power and means while being accountable for their choices and actions.
Land acknowledgment
The West Island CALACS is located on unceded Indigenous territory. We recognize the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation as the original stewards of the land and waters on which we gather today. Historically, Tiohtiá:ke/Montreal has been known as a meeting place for many First Nations people. Today, a diverse Indigenous population—and folks from other walks of life—reside here. It is with respect for the link that bridge the past, present and future that we acknowledge the ongoing relationships between Indigenous people and others in communities across Montreal. As an organization focused on social justice and intersectional feminism, it is crucial that we recognize our systemic privileges, as well as the past and current consequences of colonialism, notably on issues related to sexual violence. We encourage our stakeholders and users to learn more about the history of these territories, as well as to support Indigenous resilience.