Information and Inspiration about work in BC's Aboriginal Non-profit sector.
Nurturing a healthy Aboriginal non-profit sector.
The Tahltan Health and Social Services Authority delivers programs and services to the on-reserve population. These include mental health and addictions counselling, an Aboriginal Headstart program, home and community care, and a shelter for women experiencing domestic violence.
Southern Stl’atl’imx Health Society (SSHS) delivers community health care to the N̓Quatqua, Samahquam, Skatin, and Xax’sta Nations. The SSHS service model is an adaptation of the medicine wheel approach, demonstrating the four elements of health and wellness: physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. The SSHS ensures that its services are culturally appropriate and respectful of the land, family, community and Nation.
Round Lake Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre is an internationally-accredited residential facility located in the Okanagan Valley. The Centre offers science-based treatment grounded in Indigenous cultural teachings and practices. Since it opened in 1979, Round Lake has served over 11,000 clients and has become a leader in the field of First Nations’ addiction recovery and trauma training.
Rose Casper Healing Centre provides health and social services to Seton Lake Band members. These services include a health clinic, addiction counselling, and life skills training. The Centre emphasizes cultural values, family healing, and prevention activities like drug education.
The Red Road HIV/AIDS Network comprises more than 125 organizations in BC that address HIV/AIDS in an Aboriginal context. These include Aboriginal AIDS service organizations; non-Aboriginal AIDS service organizations that have Aboriginal programs; and organizations of Aboriginal persons living with HIV/AIDS.
The North Wind Healing Centre offers residential treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction. The programs include sweat lodge, blanket, and pipe ceremonies to reinforce the concept of sacredness. The Centre is located in 150 acres of wilderness in the beautiful Peace River country.
Nenqayni Wellness Centre has been serving adults with drug and alcohol addictions since 1983. In 1991, the Centre moved into new buildings at its current location. The Society is governed by the 15 bands.
The Native Mental Health Association of Canada is a national organization governed and managed by Aboriginal leaders. The goal of the Association is to improve the lives of Canada’s First Nations, Metis, and Inuit populations by addressing healing, wellness, and other mental health challenges.
Namgis Treatment Centre serves the residents of Alert Bay (Cormorant Island). The Centre is funded through the Medical Services Branch and charges no fees. The Centre’s programs are confidential, culturally sensitive, and available to all regardless of faith, race, or sexual orientation. These programs include counselling for grief, mental illness, sexual and physical abuse, and addiction.
In 1993, in response to the alarming number of suicide attempts among First Nations youth, Nuu-chah-nulth members held a community meeting with emergency responders, counsellors, and the general public. As a result of that meeting, the KUU-US Crisis Line was established. “KUU-US” means “people” in the Tseshaht language.
