In the News

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence isn’t just a campaign! It’s a global movement for change. In this episode of our podcast Voices in the Wind, we are digging into what activism and advocacy really look like in our community - beyond the headlines and hashtags. It’s about awareness, action, and the everyday choices that move us closer to a world free from violence. We’ll also talk about how each of us can take meaningful steps toward ending gender-based violence.

An engaging Op-Ed by Chinook Sexual Assault Centre CEO Kristine Cassie commenting on the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime’s “Rethinking Justice” recent report. Click the link below to read: Why Specialized Police and Court Support Matters.pdf Download

In recognition of International Day of Charity on September 5, we welcome two stalwart supporters of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre for a special panel discussion on charity. Our guests Amanda Engler and Michele Montgomery talk about the important work of charities, about their reasons for supporting charities, and why businesses and individuals should get involved. To watch click here

October is Child Abuse Prevention Month, an important time to recognize the role that we can all play in preventing child abuse. This is an important issue which impacts many of us. In fact, one in three Albertans will experience sexual violence or abuse before they turn 18. Observed annually, Child Abuse Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence of child abuse in our community and empower individuals to become advocates for children in need.

Our November podcast is out! Click here to watch. Yoga has become one of the most popular health and recreational activities today as people look to this ancient practice for its many benefits, both physically and mentally. Trauma Informed Yoga also has great potential as a therapeutic tool for those who may have experienced trauma including sexual violence. In this episode of Voices in the Wind, we’ll learn more about Trauma Informed Yoga and how it is being utilized here at the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre.

#WeBelieveSurvivors Today’s not guilty verdict for all five accused in the Hockey Canada players trial in London, Ontario is a profound setback for all survivors of sexual assault. This outcome is not only devastating for the individual survivor in this case, but reverberates across communities, undermining the courage it takes to come forward and driving home, once again, how the voices and lives of women and girls are too often discounted.

The Chinook Sexual Assault Centre spoke to local media recently about an increase in funding from the Government of Alberta for the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. Check out the local coverage by clicking the links below. Lethbridge Herald Global Lethbridge (story at 3:57)

The ability of art to communicate powerful messages is being harnessed this May by the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre to raise awareness of issues related to sexual violence. On May 5,, the Centre launched a unique art show at the Yates Theatre Gallery designed celebrate the strength and resilience of those impacted by sexual violence while fostering important conversations about the subject. Impact Unveiled: Beyond the Silence is a show curated from contributions from local artists sharing messages of survival, strength, empowerment and the emotions tied to these experiences.

We were so excited to introduce our new Facility Dog Link to the community. Click the links below to watch some of the stories from our local media partners: MyLethbridgeNow CTV Lethbridge Lethbridge Herald Bridge City News Link II will work primarily at the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, a program of the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre, as part of a team helping children, youth and families deal with the traumatic effects of abuse.

Meet Link II, the new Accredited Facility Dog at the Chinook Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CCYAC). In this episode of our podcast Voices in the Wind, we welcome Baylee Schmidt, Supervisor with the CCYAC and Link’s handler. Baylee will talk about the impact Link has made with the kids he works with and how he adds to the welcoming environment at the CCYAC. We’ll also speak to Meredith Areskoug, Communications Manager with the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), the organization which provided Link II to our organization.

To mark the beginning of Sexual Violence Prevention Month in May. Heidi Echavarria from Bridge City News stopped by to chat with Chinook Sexual Assault Centre CEO Kristine Cassie. To watch the full story click here

Catholic Central High School’s production of the iconic musical Mamma Mia! is hoping to connect with audiences and community. The production is donating $5.00 from each ticket sold for three special “sing-along” performances March 15, 19 and 22 to the Chinook Cild and Youth Advocacy Centre (CCYAC). Cheryl Patterson, Manager of the CCYAC, took part in a press conference to promote the production. Mamma Mia! runs from March 14 until March 22 with performances at 7:00 p.

Chinook Sexual Assault Centre CEO Kristine Cassie was interviewed by My Lethbridge Now about why it is important that we continue to be involved in Pink Shirt Day.

Click here to read: https://www.mylethbridgenow.com/51633/news/community/no-better-time-than-now-to-promote-kindness-and-inclusivity/

Chinook Sexual Assault Centre CEO Kristine Cassie comments on the disturbing case of on an alleged sexual assault of a child at a public swimming pool in this story from Global Lethbridge.

Click here to watch https://globalnews.ca/news/11026422/lethbridge-child-sexual-assault-charges/

We are so proud of Anna Campmans and so appreciative of her volunteer work here at the Chinook Sexual Assault Centre. Check out this story on Global Lethbridge about her well deserved award from the YWCA.

Click here to watch: https://globalnews.ca/news/11026391/ywca-southern-alberta-women-of-distinction/

Every year, thousands of people across Canada are impacted by human trafficking. A new documentary titled “Into the Light” will be released soon. Into the Light will explore human trafficking in Indigenous communities in Alberta and includes an interview with our CEO Kristine Cassie. Native Counselling Services of Alberta is producing the film which is endeavouring to take human trafficking out of the dark and into the light of education, wellness and healing.

Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/CPdO4z0Uw4I?si=9UBvoo6kO6i7PzHI

Are your kids safe this summer? During the summer months children and youth have more time on their hands … and more time to spend online. Our July episode of Voices in the Wind is out now. In it we talk to Cpl. Heather Bangle with the Southern Alberta Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) who will talk about the dangers lurking online and what parents can do to keep their kids safe.

Chinook Sexual Assault Centre CEO Kristine Cassie was a special guest on the CBC program Just Asking. The topic, “How to have difficult conversations about sexual assault” generated lots of important discussion. Click the link below to listen to the full episode or look for Just Asking on your favourite podcast app.

Click this link to listen: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-1424-just-asking/clip/16117499-how-difficult-conversations-sexual-assault