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Code of Conduct

Purpose

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all staff, volunteers, contractors, and program participants of Indigenous Women Outdoors (IWO). It ensures our workplace and community spaces are grounded in Indigenous values, respect, safety, accountability, and collective care.

Guiding Principles

We center the following core values in our work: 

  • Respect – for self, others, the land, and all our relations. 
  • Reciprocity – we give and receive in balance. 
  • Relational Accountability – we uphold our responsibilities to each other and the communities we serve. 
  • Consent & Boundaries – we honor physical, emotional, and cultural boundaries at all times. 
  • Trauma-Informed Practice – we move gently, recognizing we all carry stories and lived experiences.

Expected Conduct

All members of IWO are expected to: 

  1. Act with Kindness and Respect 
    1. Speak and act in ways that honor the dignity of others. Avoid gossip, exclusion, or harmful language. 
  2. Uphold Cultural Safety 
    1. Recognize and support Indigenous cultural protocols, teachings, and identities. Do not share stories or teachings without explicit consent. 
  3. Maintain Professionalism 
    1. Be reliable, punctual, and clear in communication. Represent IWO with integrity both within and outside of the organization. 
  4. Practice Consent 
    1. Always ask before taking photos, sharing stories, or touching others. Respect when someone says no. 
  5. Respect Confidentiality 
    1. Hold personal and community information in confidence unless there is risk of harm. 
  6. Create Safer Spaces 
    1. Discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying will not be tolerated in any form. This includes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or lateral violence.

Unacceptable Behaviour

Includes (but is not limited to):

  • Verbal abuse, yelling, intimidation, or threats 
  • Harassment or unwanted physical contact 
  • Sharing Indigenous knowledge without permission 
  • Substance use that impacts safety or judgment on program time 
  • Breaches of confidentiality 
  • Any act that undermines safety, dignity, or integrity of the community

Relational Accountability & Restorative Process

We recognize conflict and harm may arise in community. IWO is committed to handling concerns through a restorative and relational lens, prioritizing repair, learning, and growth. 

Concerns may be addressed through: 

  • One-on-one conversations 
  • Restorative circles or mediation (when safe and appropriate) 
  • Elders or Knowledge Holders may be invited to guide process 
  • In serious cases, formal investigations or disciplinary action may be taken 

All actions will be trauma-informed and uphold the dignity of those involved.

Reporting Concerns

Concerns can be brought to: 

  • The Executive Director 
  • A designated staff member or community leader 
  • An external support identified for confidential reporting (when available) 

Reports will be held with care, and retaliation of any kind will not be tolerated.

Acknowledgment

This policy is a living document rooted in Indigenous values. We commit to revisiting it regularly in community, ensuring it continues to reflect our collective needs and teachings.