Malia is a Queer intersectional feminist working to break down the systems of oppression that threaten equality. They've lived in Nelson since 2020 and are increasingly grateful for the amazing people and beautiful land that surround this valley. They became involved with the WKWA in 2021 and served on the board of directors in 2022. Malia is excited to be supporting the Women's Centre in its ongoing efforts to serve the West Kootenay community.
Malia is passionate about learning and studied several years of Fine Arts and Biology before completing a BA in English Literature and Environmental Studies. Besides learning they are passionate about, creating, spending time in nature, being part of community, environmental sustainability, and social justice.
Originally from Scotland, Anna moved to Nelson in 2019. The queer community here has been integral to her personal growth and joining the Nelson Women’s Centre is an important way to honour this journey. She is a visual artist who explores abstract forms through the lens of light and scale and has shown her work across the Kootenays.
Anna graduated with a BA Honors in Fashion Design, before spending a number of years traveling in her twenties which eventually brought her to Canada. Through self directed study, Anna works to deepen her knowledge of intersectional feminism, gender and identity and Indigenous histories. As a settler she feels it is an obligation to be an informed ally to the Indigenous peoples of The Kootenays, and to marginalized communities everywhere.
Heather is a proud Newfoundlander but has been drawn to B.C. more than once for its rivaling splendour. She/they are invested heart heavily in social justice. A fellow of the school of graduate studies (MUN, Sociology) Heather applied the knowledge gained from volunteering and master’s thesis research to her work with the St. John’s Status of Women Council.
More recently, as a contractual instructor with Selkirk College teaching Ethnic Relations (Anthropology, UAS) Heather encourages students to explore the roots of racist thought patterns, the continuing legacy of colonialism, and intersectional feminism.
Heather is deeply honoured to be involved in the activities of the West Kootenay Women’s Association as the on-call Drop-in Coordinator and aspires to contribute to and learn from the rich herstory of Kootenay feminism.