Our Annual Training Forum (ATF) on September 25 and 26 at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre brought together over 320 members, partners and other guests from across the province for our biggest gathering since the pandemic with rich opportunities for learning and making caring connections over two days of gathering.

Just some of the highlights of the ATF included a welcome address from Musqueam Elder, Gail Sparrow; two keynote speakers: author, entrepreneur, and founder of Naqsmist [nux-meest] Storytellers Inc., Elaine Alec, who shared her keynote via video, and American educator, author, and leading scholar-activist in the global movement of men promoting gender equity and preventing gender-based violence, Dr. Jackson Katz. You can see both keynotes on EVA BC’s YouTube channel.

The theme of this year’s ATF was Standing Strong: Support through Prevention, Intervention and Advocacy and participants attended a wide range of workshops, wellness session and facilitated networking sessions. On the evening of day one, 200 attendees came together for a reception for informal networking, a silent auction for EVA BC desk calendar prints, a photo booth, food and refreshments. The Indigenous Women Rise Society Drum Group closed the two days with a rousing performance of drumming and singing of songs from across Turtle Island.

EVA BC’s ATF was possible with support from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General (MPSSG) and sponsorship from Uber. Door prizes were donated by: Colour Time Printing, Odin Books, Pinnacle Harbourfront Hotel, Schmunk Gattz, & Schmidt, and Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre.