The Howe Sound Women’s Centre officially unveiled its new name, PearlSpace, after its annual general meeting on Sept. 27.
“We’re proud to be an organization that is invested in learning, unlearning and expanding toward greater inclusion,” said the executive director, Ashley Oakes, to a crowd of about 30 people who gathered for the rebranding announcement.
“PearlSpace promotes equality and empowerment of women, two-spirit, gender diverse, non-binary, transpeople, and children and youth,” Oakes continued.
“We work from an intersectional feminist framework. By responding to and working for change, we honour the diversity of lives impacted by gender-based violence and help to meet the evolving needs of communities throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor and Stl’atl’imx region.”
Oakes said the rebranding process began about two years ago and came from feedback from community participants.
“This decision to rebrand was made after several years of reflection, looking at our last 40 years and looking forward to our next 40 years,” said Oakes.
The new logo and brand take after natural elements found in the area and reflect “inclusivity” and “community” and remind all “to breathe the freshness of air after stormy weather.”
“A pearl symbolizes beauty emerging from friction, of being protected from life’s most harrowing experiences, and being honoured for one’s journey,” Oakes continued.
Oakes said now that the brand and logo have been unveiled, the Squamish community will start seeing the transition, as there were already pins, stickers, bags and brochures with the new name at the centre.
Oakes said it would take a little time to get everything switched over to PearlSpace, but the website has already been launched, and emails sent to old addresses will be forwarded to the new addresses. A sign for the Squamish centre will be coming soon.
“As we embark on our future in our new identity as PearlSpace, we do so with the deepest gratitude to the women who founded this organization and honour their strength, resilience, and passion for laying the foundation for our future,” said Oakes.
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