Sexual Violence Affects Everyone
In Alberta, 45% of adults have experienced some type of sexual violence (SV) in their lifetime (AASAS, 2020). SV is an umbrella term, encompassing sexual abuse, assault, harassment, as well as emerging forms like sextortion and revenge porn. Any behaviours and actions that are sexual in nature and unwanted, coerced, and committed without consent, are SV.
SV is the result of power imbalances that stem from oppressive attitudes and beliefs about those who are valued in our society and those who are not. Consequently, marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ individuals, Indigenous women and girls, people of color, and those with (dis)Abilities experience the highest rates of SV.
The Bow Valley Context
Sexual harassment in the restaurant and hospitality industry is widespread, particularly impacting those in the most vulnerable and precarious employment scenarios – immigrants and BIPOC individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, women, and those without access to grievance mechanisms or union protection (Vineburg, 2024).
Awareness is the First Step in Creating Change
Reflecting on and engaging in conversations about gender norms, societal power dynamics, and the impacts of toxic masculinity, fosters empathy and understanding, and helps to challenge attitudes and beliefs which perpetuate sexual violence.
In learning together, we can create a safer more inclusive Bow Valley.
Join us at one of our events in May!
May is Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SVAM) in Alberta.
Throughout May, the Harmony Project is collaborating with community partners to host events that foster a more informed, empathetic, and supportive Bow Valley, while working toward a future free from sexual violence and preventing it before it starts. Consent Belongs in Mountain Culture—join us all month long in creating a safer and more inclusive Bow Valley.
If you have any questions about Sexual Violence Awareness Month, please email .
Calendar of Events - SVAM 2026
Can We Talk: Early Childhood and Sexuality
Monday, April 27, 2026, 5:15 – 7 p.m.
Location: Room 212, Elevation Place (700 Railway Ave, Canmore)
Hosted in partnership with the Centre for Sexuality and the Family Connection Centre.
Conversations about sexuality and sexual health are essential to raising healthy, confident children. Join us for an interactive workshop designed to help parents and caregivers navigate these sometimes awkward but important conversations. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in open, honest, and supportive discussions that promote well being, healthy relationships, and informed decision making.
This program will increase your:
- Knowledge of the role of parents as sexual health educators
- Awareness of your own attitudes, values, and beliefs as they relate to sexuality
- Comfort in discussing topics related to sexual health with children and youth
- Ability to use resources and tools to discuss sexuality, sexual health, and relationships, as well as answer questions from your children
This session is for parents/caregivers with children ages 0-6.
Dinner and childcare will be provided for participants.
Can We Talk: Puberty in Childhood
Monday, May 11, 2026, 5:15 – 7 p.m.
Location: Room 212, Elevation Place (700 Railway Ave, Canmore)
Hosted in partnership with the Centre for Sexuality and the Family Connection Centre.
Talking with children about sexuality and sexual health is key to supporting their confidence, well being, and healthy relationships. This interactive workshop helps parents and caregivers navigate conversations that may feel awkward, but are essential. You will learn practical strategies for having open, honest, and age appropriate discussions, build confidence in answering common questions, and strengthen your ability to support informed decision making.
These programs will increase your:
- Knowledge of the role of parents as sexual health educators
- Awareness of your own attitudes, values, and beliefs as they relate to sexuality
- Comfort in discussing topics related to sexual health with children and youth
- Ability to use resources and tools to discuss sexuality, sexual health, and relationships, as well as answer questions from your children
This session is for parents/caregivers with children ages 0-14.
Dinner and childcare will be provided for participants.
Red Dress Reflection Walk
Monday, May 4, 2026, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Front Doors, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff)
Join Dani, granddaughter of a Metis residential school Survivor, on a gentle reflection walk to Bow Falls in honour of Red Dress Day and the National Day of Awareness and Remembrance for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Followed by refreshments at the picnic shelter.
Meet at the front doors of the YWCA Banff, then follow the riverside path, ending at the picnic shelter in the recreation grounds for refreshments.
Cascade of Safety and Belonging Collaborative Artwork
Thursday, May 7, 2024, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Location: Welcome to Wellness Market, Bison Courtyard (211 Bear St, Banff)
Hosted in collaboration with Recovery Alberta and the Canmore Young Adult Network (CYAN), in partnership with Banff Mental Health and Addiction Week (BMHAW).
Join us for an interactive community art experience that brings together people from across the Bow Valley to creatively express our shared commitments to safety, inclusivity, and belonging. This installation invites every attendee to take a ribbon and add their personal pledge toward making our community a safer, inclusive place for all.
No registration required.
Women’s Circle
Every Wednesday in May. Times and locations vary.
One of the steps in preventing sexual violence is creating healthy and safe relationships and connections. Women’s Circle is a place of connection, self-care, and support, where cis and trans women and gender diverse folks can come together to have fun, engage, and empower one another in a safe space.
This series of sessions will cover various themes, including fostering connections, developing life skills, building resilience, and exploring self-care practices. Join us to connect with others, acquire new skills, and enjoy engaging and empowering activities.
Women’s Circle is free, and pre-registration is required. Sign up early as spaces are limited.
For any questions regarding the Women’s Circle, please contact
- Soapstone Carving: May 13, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Picnic Shelter, Banff Recreation Grounds (100 Sundance Rd, Banff)
Discover the art of soapstone carving in this hands-on workshop. Learn simple carving techniques and shape a soft stone into your own small sculpture using hand tools. No experience needed and all materials are provided. Participants will create a small grounding tool to take with them, using their carved stone as a reminder to pause, breathe, and reconnect to the present moment. Facilitated by Cristin Geestman.
- Beginner-Friendly Impressionist Self-Portrait: May 20, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Boardroom, YWCA Banff (102 Spray Ave, Banff)
In honor of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, join us for a women’s circle art session exploring: “What does feeling safe and respected in my body look and feel like?” In this guided experience for up to 10 participants, you will create an impressionistic self-portrait while reflecting on what safety, belonging, and personal boundaries mean to you. With a focus on authentic expression and mindfulness, this session offers a supportive space to connect with yourself and others.
No experience or supplies are needed. Participants are encouraged to bring paint-friendly clothing, creativity, and enthusiasm. Acrylic paints, brushes, and palette knife techniques will be used to create your self-portrait on a glass insert for a photo frame.
- Forest Bathing: May 27, 2026, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: Professional Development Centre, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity (107 Tunnel Mountain Dr, Banff)
Forest bathing is a research-based framework for supporting healing and wellness through immersion in forests and other natural environments. It allows you to connect with nature in a way that is relaxing, respectful and rejuvenating. The walk helps you feel relaxed and at ease while gaining mental and physical health benefits. Research has found that exposure to nature can reduce cortisol levels, boost your immune system, balance blood pressure and can help in reset your nervous system. Research has also found that exposure to nature decreased depression and rumination, acting as a type of “reset button” for the brain.
Vibe and Thrive Teen Program
Monday, May 20, 2026, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Banff Public Library (101 Bear St, Banff)
The ‘Vibe and Thrive Teen Program’ at the Banff Public Library offers a welcoming space for young people to connect, relax, and build community. Beyond being a place to hang out, the program encourages participants to explore what healthy relationships look like for them, with supportive staff available along the way. Designed as both a social hub and a learning space, the program helps youth develop confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of belonging. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.
No registration required.
Climbing and Consent
Friday, May 22, 2026, 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Elevation Place (700 Railway Ave, Canmore)
More details to come.
Power of Being a Girl
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Meeting Room 1, Fenlands Recreation Centre (100 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff)
Power of Being a Girl is a one-day empowerment conference that takes place in Meeting Room 1 at the Fenlands for girls and gender-diverse youth in Grades 4–6 (ages 8–12) who feel comfortable in a girl-centred space. Through interactive workshops, youth-friendly discussions, and inspiring women speakers, participants will explore healthy relationships, consent, body image, gender norms, self-worth, and leadership. With support from trained facilitators and teen mentors, youth will build confidence, practice positive self-talk, strengthen peer connections, and learn how their voices and choices can create meaningful change in their lives and communities.
Film for Thought
Sunday, May 31, 2026, TIME TBD
Location: TBD
Hosted in partnership with the Bow Valley Pride Network.
Film for Thought brings together a film screening and an engaging panel discussion. This month’s theme focuses on SVAM, with the topic specifically related to sexual violence awareness and prevention in LGBTQIA+ communities.
Tickets will be sliding scale ($5-15). If cost is a barrier, please message Canmore Pride () for a free ticket.
Registration details to come.
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