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Vancouver Indigenous

Resources

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Download a printable list of Vancouver Indigenous resources with full contact info

 

2-Spirit Collective

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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Aboriginal Front Door Society

Addresses addictions, dependencies, and other issues in a holistic manner using Aboriginal teachings. Over 300 meals served daily.

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Aboriginal Mother Centre

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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Aboriginal Patient Navigator

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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Aboriginal Shelter

A mat and blanket shelter, with meals provided

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Aboriginal Wellness Program

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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Aboriginal Youth Safehouse

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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ACCESS

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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BC Indigenous Housing Society

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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Connections to Kith and Kin

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

 

IndigenEYEZ

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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Indigenous Housing Providers

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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Indigenous Justice Centre

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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Lu'ma Programs

Offers housing, a medical centre, youth services, and more

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Métis Family Services

Various programs, services, and resources of Métis persons 

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Métis Nation BC

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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Native Education College 

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

 

Saa'ust Centre

Offers services and supports to families and survivors of the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

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Slaxin Lelum

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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Unique Get Together Society

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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Warriors Against Violence

Works to restore the traditional Aboriginal values of honour, respect, and equality

Benefits Indig

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.

 

Crisis Supplement

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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Homeless Prevention Program

Portable rent supplements and support for Indigenous persons facing homelessness

 

Indigenous Artist Funding

The Creating, Knowing and Sharing programs provides funding for First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists

 

Jordan’s Principle

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

 

Non-Insured Health Benefits

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. 

 

SAJE Program

Offers a range of supports to youth and young adults with care experience in BC, including rental supplements

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Vancouver Rent Bank

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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Young Futures Education Fund

Provides adults who have care experience funds for basic living expenses like food, rent, technology, and childcare​

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

​What is a Status Card and how can I get one?

 

  • 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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  • 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?

 

  • 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:​​​

    • Bill Reid Gallery

    • HR MacMillan Space Centre

    • Museum of Anthropology at UBC

    • Museum of Vancouver

    • Science World

    • Vancouver Art Gallery

    • Vancouver International Film Centre

    • Vancouver International Film Festival

    • 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)

  • Battered Women’s Support Services 1-855-687-1868

  • BC Bereavement Helpline 604-738-9950

  • BC Caregiver Support Line 1-877-520-3267

  • Canada Suicide Prevention Service 1-833-456-4566

  • Family Support Line 1-800-441-5403

  • First Nations and Inuit Hope For Wellness Line 1-855-242-3310

  • Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 1-800-721-0066

  • Indigenous Crisis Line 1-800-588-8717

  • Indigenous Wellness Training Society 1-888-231-4987

  • Helpline for Children 310-1234

  • Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868

  • Kinship Care Line 604-558-4740

  • Mental Health Help Line 310-6789

  • Métis Crisis Line 1-833-638-4722

  • Missing & Murdered Women & Girls Crisis Line 1-844-413-6649

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