Programs
Listed below are some of the programs currently being offered at the Friendship Centre:
The recreation program services over 70 urban aboriginal youth. Some of the programs offered are drop in sessions, sports programs such as basketball and volleyball, yoga, pow-wow dancing, summer day-camp and arts and crafts.
The Elders program services elders of aboriginal descent from many different tribes across Canada. The program hosts two weekly luncheons and food banks, a drop in session, arts and crafts, various fundraisers, out trips to other service organizations to liason our members with other cultural groups.
House of Culture Aboriginal Arts Program
VAFCS hosts a resident artist, Mike Dangeli from Nisg’a, Tlingit, Tsimshian descent. Since 2000, Mike has been producing carvings and totem poles for the community.
Sundance Daycare
Services children from the ages 3 through 6. The Sundance Daycare is one of VAFCS’s longest running programs and is committed to keeping the daycare fees below the city wide average. The staff are ECE (early childhood education) qualified and includes one staff member that is qualified for special needs children. For more information please contact us at daycare@vafcs.org.
Other Community Events
The VAFCS hosts various programs for free to the community. West Coast night (Wednesday) and Prairie night (Tuesday) offer singing, dancing and vendor tables to sell arts and crafts. Volunteers are welcome!!!
Information Referral Program
The VAFCS is host to one of the first electronic information kiosks in the aboriginal community. This kiosk holds current data on family needs programs in the lower mainland area. An outreach worker is also on site to provide assistance to those with unique needs.