Our mission, values and strategy

Background

We are a non-profit organization that was founded in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1998. Today, we offer training programs and support services across Alberta and are growing our impact in Saskatchewan and Ontario. We connect unemployed women and gender-diverse individuals as well as those working multiple jobs to make ends meet with higher-paying careers in trades, trucking and related fields.

We help remove common barriers to financial independence. These barriers include employment training, access to affordable housing, academic and personal readiness, access to affordable childcare and more.

Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge that our main office and training centre are located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and ancestral territory of the Nehiyaw (Cree), Denesuliné (Dene), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) and Nakota Sioux (Stoney) peoples. We also acknowledge that we are located within the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s North Saskatchewan River Territory, Fort Edmonton Métis District 9 of the Métis Nation of Alberta. These are the traditional gathering places for many diverse Indigenous Peoples whose histories, languages and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community. ​ 

We also gratefully acknowledge that many of our team members live and work on the traditional and ancestral homelands of Indigenous Peoples and Nations across Turtle Island, each with their own unique traditions, history and culture. ​ 

We are committed to strong Indigenous partnerships and relationships based on principles of reconciliation. 

PAR Certified (Committed Level)

Women Building Futures is proudly in the Committed stage of the Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification program, with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).   

The CCAB promotes, strengthens and enhances a prosperous Indigenous economy by fostering business relationships, opportunities, and awareness.    

Here at Women Building Futures, we are on a learning journey to foster greater appreciation and respect for Indigenous ways of being and doing and deepen relationships with Indigenous communities; by being a PAR Committed organization, we are in the beginning stages of tracking and managing our Indigenous relations strategies.  

Inclusivity at WBF

WBF is on a learning journey to support diversity, equity and inclusion, with diverse gender inclusion. We’re building an inclusive culture that encourages, uplifts and celebrates the diversity of our employees and the communities we serve with compassion and courage.

Through our programs and services, we nurture a safe, respectful environment where everyone is able to do their best work and can learn and grow together. Our different backgrounds and experiences are our strengths.

We recognize that the term “women” may not include the diverse identities our program is meant to support. We welcome and strive to create an inclusive environment for gender-diverse individuals, which includes all women, non-binary and agender persons, through readiness services and assessment, training, job placement and job retention support.

Please reach out to talk more with us about our programs and services that address gendered barriers to employment.