Vancouver Indigenous
Resources
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Download a printable list of Vancouver Indigenous resources with full contact info
Provides support, resources, and programming for Indigenous youth, ages 15 to 30, who identify as 2-spirit or LGBTQ+
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Aboriginal Community Policing Centre
Addresses social justice issues, improve safety for Aboriginal people and build the relationship between the Vancouver Police Department and the Aboriginal community through education, awareness and open dialogue
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Addresses addictions, dependencies, and other issues in a holistic manner using Aboriginal teachings. Over 300 meals served daily.
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A place where Aboriginal mothers, whom are facing homelessness, or dealing with their children in care of the Ministry can come to stay
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Offers in-hospital and community support to help Indigenous people and their families with accessing culturally safe health care services.
Patient navigators work directly with hospital staff and health care providers to help patients with health care and discharge planning, hospital stay information, completing forms, referrals to community services, and more. Email info.aboriginalhealth@vch.ca for more.
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A mat and blanket shelter, with meals provided
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Provides mental health wellness and substance use programs for members of the First Nations and Aboriginal community. Services include cultural support and teachings, counselling, group support, and workshops. Self-referrals accepted. Email aboriginalwellnessprogram@vch.ca for more.
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A voluntary, short-term, live-in program for youth ages 16 to 18 who do not have a safe place to stay
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Provides employment, education, and training services to Indigenous people living in Greater Vancouver
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BC Children's Indigenous Health Advocates
Advocate for and provide help to Indigenous families who are visiting the BC Children's Hospital
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Provides safe, secure, and affordable housing, focused on the housing needs of the urban Indigenous community
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Circle of Eagles Lodge Society
Supports Indigenous persons leaving federal institutions and those dislocated from society, to reintegrate into community by providing respectful wholistic services and culturally safe spaces
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Connects Indigenous participants to experts who help them search online records for family documents.
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First Nations Health Authority
A health service delivery organization responsible for administering a variety of health programs and service for First Nations people living in BC.
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If FNHA provides you services and you need to make a complaint or offer a compliment, you can contact their Quality Care and Safety Office at 1-844-935-1044 or quality@fnha.ca
First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits Team
Provide guidance and information about benefits available under the First Nations Health Authority
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Helping Spirit Lodge Transition House
Provides housing and services to women and children fleeing violence
Programs and education to amplify Indigenous perspectives
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Indigenous Community Legal Clinic
Advice and representation for criminal matters, Aboriginal law/Indigenous legal issues, family law matters, child protection, human rights complaints, letters of administration, police complaints
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Off-reserve Indigenous housing is available to households and individuals with Indigenous ancestry, including status and non-status Indians, Métis and Inuit
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Provides no-cost legal services to Indigenous clients living in under-served areas of the province where access to legal advice or representation is difficult or non-existent
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Indigenous Wellness and Training Society
Offers recovery programs and counselling services for Indigenous persons
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Kílala Lelum (Urban Indigenous Health and Healing Cooperative)
Partners Indigenous Elders with physicians and allied health professionals to provide physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care to the community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside
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Offers housing, a medical centre, youth services, and more
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Various programs, services, and resources of Métis persons
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Represents 39 Métis Chartered Communities in British Columbia. Their mandate's to develop and enhance opportunities for Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services
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Education programs for Indigenous persons, in an Indigenous setting
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Native Courtworker and Counselling Association
Helps Indigenous people navigate the criminal justice system in BC, while providing support services for a healthier and more satisfying life free from alcohol, drugs, and violence
Pacific Association of First Nations Women
Works toward a matriarchal community where all Indigenous women in BC are safe and respected with a sense of belonging and connection to cultural traditions
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Red Fox Healthy Living Society
Free recreational activities, employment programs, and mentorship for children and youth, with a focus on Indigenous cultural education
Offers services and supports to families and survivors of the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
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A range of programs and services to help Indigenous persons recover and thrive
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Status Card Application and Renewal
Assists individuals seeking to apply for or renew their Status Card. This government-issued identification card confirms an individual's registration as an Indigenous person in Canada, and is an important document for accessing a range of essential services and benefits.
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Empowers Indigenous communities through support programs and activities
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Urban Native Youth Association
A range of programs for Indigenous youth
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Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services
Provides restorative, holistic and culturally-grounded family services
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Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre
Provides programs in health, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, recreation and equality for all genders of aboriginal people of all age groups
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Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society
A not-for-profit healthcare and social services provider that strives to improve and promote the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health of the urban Indigenous population
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Vancouver Aboriginal Transformative Justice Services
Provides justice, homelessness and crime prevention services to Indigenous people within Metro Vancouver
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Vancouver Venture for Diversity Society
Provides support and services on an individual as well as group basis, to Indigenous foster children, youth, and families
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Works to restore the traditional Aboriginal values of honour, respect, and equality
Indigenous Benefits & Funding
This isn't an exhaustive list - see other sections for other opportunities.
​Belonging Network Bursaries
Funding to help youth with care experience pursue education or training. Bursaries can be applied to tuition or related expenses.
A payment to hardship, income, or disability assistance recipients prevent imminent danger or the removal of a child. Meet with your Employment and Assistance Worker who will assess your emergency need and provide you with expedited application.
First Nations Health Authority Health Benefits Team
For guidance and info about benefits available under the First Nations Health Authority, contact the FNHA Benefits Team at healthbenefits@fnha.ca or 1-855-550-5454.
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Portable rent supplements and support for Indigenous persons facing homelessness
The Creating, Knowing and Sharing programs provides funding for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists
A benefit to ensure that First Nations children can access the services, supports, and products they need. Under Jordan's Principle, First Nations children are entitled to receive funding for a wide range of health, social, and educational services and supports.
Learning Fund for Young Adults
A $1500 grant to help young people with care experience access learning opportunities
Provides eligible First Nations and Inuit clients with coverage for a range of health benefits not otherwise covered
Provincial Tuition Waiver Program
Waives tuition and eligible fees for BC students with care experience studying below the graduate level at a BC public post-secondary institution, the Native Education College, or an approved trades training provider.
Offers a range of supports to youth and young adults with care experience in BC, including rental supplements
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If you’re living in a rental unit and having difficulty paying rent, a rent bank may be able to help you with a one-time, interest-free loan
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Provides adults who have care experience funds for basic living expenses like food, rent, technology, and childcare​
Frequently Asked Questions
​What is a Status Card and how can I get one?
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A government-issued card confirming an individual's registration as an Indigenous person in Canada, a Status Card is an important document for accessing supports, including education benefits, tax exemptions, and non-insured health services.
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The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre assists individuals seeking to apply for or renew their Status Card. To learn more, visit vafcs.org/legal-assistance, email adminassist@accessfutures.com, or call 604-251-4844.
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Aged Out also provides a step-by-step guide on obtaining a Status Card and other ID.
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Is help available to Indigenous persons tracing their family history?
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Yes. Connections to Kith and Kin connects Indigenous participants to experts who help them search online records for family documents. Support workers are also available to support participants emotionally.
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Do Indigenous persons get discounts at any local attractions or businesses?
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Admission to museums and galleries is often free for self-identifying Indigenous persons, including the following:​​​
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Bill Reid Gallery
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HR MacMillan Space Centre
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Museum of Anthropology at UBC
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Museum of Vancouver
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Science World
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Vancouver Art Gallery
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Vancouver International Film Centre
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Vancouver International Film Festival
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Vancouver Maritime Museum
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Other companies also offer discounts. For example, VIA Rail offers a 33 percent discount to Indigenous customers.
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Indigenous Crisis Lines
Call one of the numbers below for immediate crisis support.
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1-800-Suicide Line 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
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Battered Women’s Support Services 1-855-687-1868
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BC Bereavement Helpline 604-738-9950
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BC Caregiver Support Line 1-877-520-3267
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Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566
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Family Support Line 1-800-441-5403
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First Nations and Inuit Hope For Wellness Line 1-855-242-3310
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Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 1-800-721-0066
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Indigenous Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717
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Indigenous Wellness Training Society 1-888-231-4987
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Helpline for Children 310-1234
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Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868
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Kinship Care Line 604-558-4740
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Mental Health Help Line 310-6789
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Métis Crisis Line 1-833-638-4722
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Missing & Murdered Women & Girls Crisis Line 1-844-413-6649