5 amazing Indigenous-led organizations making a difference

Today we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! On this special day, and throughout the year, the Victoria Foundation celebrates the many incredible Indigenous-led organizations making a difference in our region. Through the various environmental, social, and economic programs and services they provide, they are integral to creating a vibrant, caring community for all. 

While there are many making a difference across our region, here are five amazing Indigenous-led organizations and some of the programs they offer to their communities. 

PEPÁKEN HÁUTW Foundation

PEPÁKEN HÁUTW Foundation is a charitable non-profit organization that provides participatory education opportunities about traditional and healthy food systems. This contributes to the restoration and revitalization of native ecosystems in the WSÁNEĆ homelands, promoting food security and Indigenous food sovereignty. The Foundation’s vision is to heal the land, inspire young land stewards, and develop a strong model for ecosystem restoration employment opportunities. They also hope to contribute to decolonization efforts through land-based learning and community action.  

As recipients of the 2022 Community Grants Program, they recently hosted a project that brought together WSÁNEĆ community knowledge keepers, ecosystem restoration specialists, community groups, post-secondary students, and WSÁNEĆ youth to heal land in WSÁNEĆ territory for the interwoven purposes of Indigenous food sovereignty and ecosystem restoration. Participants were trained in an ecosystem restoration model that has a strong foundation in Indigenous land sovereignty, providing a model for communities, organizations, and governments, while building increased capacity for cultural and ecological resilience in the WSÁNEĆ community and beyond. 

Explore their pamphlet and website to learn more about the impact they are making.

Aboriginal Coalition To End Homelessness Society 

The Aboriginal Coalition to End Homelessness Society (ACEH) is a local non-profit and registered charity supporting Indigenous people experiencing homelessness in our region. Their mission is to lovingly provide culturally supportive, affordable housing, and services that end Aboriginal homelessness on Vancouver Island. The work of the ACEHS is centered on the voices of Aboriginal peoples who have shared their immediate needs, lived experiences, and perspectives on solutions. Through building partnerships locally and island-wide, the ACEHS works to identify and address systemic and structural barriers, share information, resources, and lessons learned, while also providing cultural supports, connections, and housing stability.

One program they recently offered that was funded through the 2022 Community Grants program, provided training in a variety of workplace skills to nine Indigenous Street Family members. This included certifications in FoodSafe, FirstAid, and with Back & Ladder Safety. Family members also received barista training through the John Howard Society and cooking classes at the London Chef. The program included support around resume and cover letter writing along with cultural training.

 

Visit their website to learn more about the vital services they provide and watch the video below to hear about the experiences of their staff.

Island Métis Family and Community Services Society 

Island Métis Family & Community Services Society (IMFCSS) has been serving the Métis community living on Vancouver Island since 1996. Centered around child safety and family wellness, the agency is dedicated to enhancing quality of life for Métis People on the island and building a sense of belonging. They do so by delivering a range of programming that culturally and spiritually strengthen Métis children and families. As an organization, they subscribe to the core principles of the circle of courage: belonging, mastery, independence and generosity. 

Their space includes a community room, playground, computer lab, and counseling room. They also run a community kitchen and teaching garden to support youth in building cooking skills, learning about health and nutrition, and fostering community connections and friendships. A main offering of IMFCSS is their no-fee childcare centre. It provides a safe, nurturing, and culturally enriched environment where every child is cared for, encouraged and supported to promote curiosity and lifelong learning. 

Visit their website to learn more about their services and watch this video created by the Indigenous Perspectives Society to learn about the impact they are making in the community. 

 

Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services Society 

With a vision to care for and protect urban Indigenous children so that no child or youth will be placed into care, Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services Society is an Indigenous Child & Family Service Agency. Their mission is to provide child and family services strongly rooted in Indigenous cultural values and world views while ensuring urban Indigenous children and youth grow up connected to family, community and culture. They also support the empowerment of the urban Indigenous community to continue the reclamation of traditional systems of caring for and protecting children. 

Executive Director, Jennifer Chuckry, recently spoke about their mission to provide child and family services strongly rooted in Indigenous cultural values on the Vital Victoria Podcast. She shares a personal story on treating people with kindness, discusses the importance of raising children and youth in community, and that the health and well-being of Indigenous people rely heavily on connection to spirit and identity. 

Listen to the Vital Victoria Podcast above to hear more about Surrounded by Cedar and visit their website to learn more about the vital services they provide.

Victoria Native Friendship Centre 

The Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC) is a non-profit, Indigenous-led organization that encourages and promotes the well-being of urban Indigenous people by strengthening individuals, family, and community. Run by over 125 compassionate staff, they have built and delivered over 75 programs to further innovative solutions to improve socio-economic conditions for urban Indigenous peoples. Their goal is to stitch the fabric of Indigenous traditions into everything they do and to greet each other and the natural world in a good way every day.  

One of their recent offerings that was funded by the 2022 Community Grants Program was the Urban Indigenous Youth Mental Health Program. The program involved youth meeting with support workers to help navigate life’s challenges and barriers, work towards educational goals, access referrals to mental and physical health support, and more. Youth were also able to access culturally appropriate support including access to medicine, Elders, cultural activities and events. 

Explore their website to learn more about their many offerings and watch the video below to view Executive Director, Ron Rice, discuss their impact in the community.