If you are an Indigenous youth who wants to connect to your culture, Friendship Centres provide programs and services specifically designed for you. The Friendship Centre movement is built on community support, trust, strong leadership, tradition and faith and is mandated to improve the quality of life for Indigenous people. The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is the umbrella for 25 Friendship Centres throughout the Province of British Columbia. Friendship Centres provide services to Indigenous people living in urban settings.
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Helpline – 1-855-242-3310
They provide a variety of programs and services that respond to the needs of the areas they serve. Each of the 25 centres across BC offer services and programs for youth that can include health, housing, employment, and cultural activities. Most centres offer:
Friendship Centres create safety nets and a safe place for Indigenous youth to interact and hang out. They are also a great place to find culturally appropriate services for Indigenous youth. Although each Friendship Centre offers different programs and services, many host pow wows, dancing, and recreational sports. They also offer a connection to healthy living through iSPARC – Indigenous Sports, Physical Activity and Recreation Council.
The BCAAFC offers leadership opportunities for youth aged 14 to 24 through a Provincial Aboriginal Youth Council (PAYC). This group strives to:
New Journeys is an online platform that provides opportunities to learn and share stories about Indigenous heritage. New Journeys is a one-stop mobile and online platform that features helpful resources, services, and information for urban Indigenous youth, young families and others to connect with their community.
Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network is a research network for Aboriginal communities, policy makers and academics. The network engages in community driven research with the goal of contributing to a better quality of life for urban Aboriginal people. The network also provides opportunities for funding.
List of all BC Friendship Centres
