Explore Our Programs For Families

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society's Aboriginal Head Start Program (AHS) is a vital program that provides full-time childcare for Indigenous children ages 3-5 years old. The program offers a wide range of services that are designed to enhance the health, social, cultural and educational development of Indigenous children.

One of the primary objectives of the AHS program is to provide Indigenous children with a strong foundation in their cultural teachings. The program offers cultural teachings that include language and cultural activities that are rooted in the traditions and beliefs of Indigenous communities. This approach helps children to develop a sense of pride in their heritage and promotes cultural continuity.

The AHS program also offers a range of health promotion activities that aim to improve the physical, mental, and emotional health of Indigenous children. These activities include regular exercise, healthy eating, and emotional well-being sessions. 

Indigenous Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) is a program offered by the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) that helps parents of Indigenous children aged 3-5 teach their children the skills and habits they need to be ready for school. Through weekly home visits, HIPPY provides parents with activity packets that are easy to use and designed to help their children develop essential skills.

The HIPPY program at VAFCS is specifically tailored to Indigenous families, with cultural teachings and activities that reflect Indigenous culture and traditions. Parents are provided with training and support to help them facilitate their child's learning and development, including access to resources and materials to support their child's education.

The Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) has an Urban Aboriginal Representative (UAR) for Children and Families. This representative is officially designated to advocate for urban Aboriginal children, youth, and families involved in the child welfare system within Metro Vancouver and its surrounding areas. The UAR's goal is to ensure that Urban Aboriginal individuals receive culturally safe and supportive services.

In terms of advocacy, the UAR provides oversight for urban Aboriginal children, youth, and families subject to court orders. This oversight encourages discussions about cultural understanding and community values, ensuring that permanency planning involves the family and is reflected in court documents. Before VAFCS is involved, every effort must be made to connect with the child’s Aboriginal community (Inuit, First Nations, Métis) to prioritize their advocacy needs. If this connection cannot be established, the VAFCS UAR will assume this responsibility. When children are placed in the care of the Director of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), the UAR ensures that culturally appropriate values are respected in both the planning and care of the child.

It is important to note that the VAFCS UAR does not provide counseling services to children or families, nor does it offer direct child welfare services.

Jordan's Principle is a Canadian public policy that ensures First Nations children have access to the services and support they need. It is named after Jordan River Anderson, a First Nations child from Norway House Cree Nation in Manitoba, who tragically passed away in the hospital at the age of five while government agencies disputed who should pay for his care.

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.

To access the services, families can submit a request through VAFCS. The VAFCS team will work with families to assess their child's needs and identify appropriate services or supports. 

The VAFCS Summer Camp Program is an exciting and engaging program for Indigenous youth ages 6-12. This program provides a fun and safe environment for participants to connect with their culture and community, while participating in a variety of activities such as outdoor games, crafts, cultural workshops, and traditional teachings.

The program is designed to promote physical activity, socialization, and cultural expression, and provides a unique opportunity for youth to learn about their heritage and connect with other Indigenous youth.

The VAFCS Summer Camp Program is run by experienced and qualified staff who are dedicated to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all participants. The program runs for several weeks during the summer months and provides breakfast, lunch, and snacks to participants each day. Through the VAFCS Summer Camp Program, Indigenous youth have the opportunity to build friendships, develop new skills, and create lasting memories that will stay with them for years to come.