Explore Our Programs

 For ages 6-18.

Designed to facilitate recreational activities for members of the Indigenous community. The program's activities include traditional and contemporary sports, games, arts, and crafts, and aim to promote physical activity, socialization, and cultural expression.

 For ages 3-5.

Through home visits, 'Indigenous Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters' (HIPPY) provides parents with weekly easy-to-use activity packets that will help them teach their children essential skills and habits needed to be ready for school.

 All Ages. 

the Employment and Life Skills Training (ELST) is designed to provide the resources and training to help clients find meaningful employment through assistance in resume building, education and training certification​, and facilitating job boards, fairs and employer networking.​

For ages 55+

Designed to assist Residential School Survivors​, Elders and Knowledge Keepers via individual and group cultural sessions, workshops and services regarding health issues. Provides Elders' with food security via daily on-site meals. 

 For ages 3-5.

Provides full-time childcare for Vancouver's urban Indigenous children with a focus on providing cultural teachings, health-promotion, community involvement, social supports and school readiness. 

This program develops supporting documents to outline methods of inclusion; developing a guide with recommendations to address gaps in culturally based services to address the systemic inequities facing Indigenous peoples related to violence.

Jordan's Principle is a child-first and needs-based principle designed to ensure that Indigenous children in Canada, particularly First Nations children, can access the public services and supports they need without delays or discrimination.

 The Reaching Home Program is designed to meet the specific needs of Indigenous Peoples who are experiencing absolute, at risk, chronic, or episodic homelessness by assisting to lower and reduce the barriers to homelessness.

This program offers a range of cultural activities, workshops and events, such as drumming circles, powwows, storytelling, and language classes, to help participants learn about and celebrate their cultural identity. 

VAFCS 24 hour emergency shelter, located at  1660 East Hastings/201 Central Street, provides beds for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples at-risk or experiencing imminent houselessness. 

HPP is designed to provide resources to Indigenous people who are at risk of becoming homeless, or who are already experiencing homelessness by addressing underlying issues that contribute to their housing instability. 

Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society's (VAFCS), Urban Aboriginal Representative (UAR) for Children and Families is a legislated, designated representative for urban Aboriginal children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system in Metro Vancouver and surrounding areas.

VAFCS is distributing prepaid cell phones to Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who otherwise would not have access to cellular communication while fleeing violence. 

Every Tuesday, 7-9 PM. (Theatre Room)

VAFCS' Narcotics Anonymous (NA) drop-in program is a vital resource for those seeking support in their journey of addiction recovery in a culturally safe environment. 

Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM. (Theatre Room)

VAFCS' Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) drop-in program is a vital resource for those seeking support in their journey of addiction recovery in a culturally safe environment. 

 Every Wednesday, 7-9 PM. (Gymnasium) Families and community come together and everyone contributes to a potluck meal and participate in singing and dancing. There are no venders fees but tables are limited.

Every Tuesday, 7-9 PM. (Gymnasium) 

The people of the West Coast share their Songs and Dances; using masks, button blankets, rattles and drums of various sizes to share stories through songs and dancing. 

 Through the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), VAFCS hosts free tax clinics by appointment where volunteers file tax returns for people  with a modest income and a simple tax situation. 

 Every Wednesday 9-11 AM. (CSB Room) .

Ages 65+ 

This program has been specifically designed for Indigenous Elders to come together, socialize and have fun while enjoying a classic game of bingo. 

SKEENA Supportive house, located at 3475  E. Hastings, Vancouver, is designed to house up to 54 tenants in safe, second-stage housing to assist them reintegrate after socio-economic predicament. Shelter is operated by the VAFCS.

ACCESS' Status Card Clinics occur bi-monthly and assists individuals in applying for and renewing their Status Card. A Status Card, also known is a government-issued identification card confirms an individual's registration as an Indigenous person in Canada.

Our newest program! 

This program puts out yearly calls for applications assisting Vancouver's Urban Indigenous post-secondary students with financial aid. 

Ongoing Construction. 

This housing compound will house 250 residents in culturally-sensitive and low-barrier housing. Construction is expected to be completed by fall, 2027.

Learn about our counselling program and  access 24/7 Mental Health and grief supports.

Introducing the VAFCS Vancouver Indigenous Youth Council!