Indigenous-Specific Supports

Covenant House Vancouver recognizes the ongoing impacts of colonization, and is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, in all the work we do. In Canada, homelessness affects Indigenous Peoples at a massively disproportionate rate, compared to other groups (read more here).

We support Indigenous youth, in a variety of ways:

Community Organizations

We connect Indigenous youth to local organizations, to better support them and to help them find a sense of community.

Indigenous Medicine Cabinets

We have medicine cabinets in every building and keep them stocked, so that youth can access whatever they need, whenever they need. This gives them the ability to smudge or create a medicine pouch, which they can keep on them for protection, strength, and healing.

Smudging

In partnership with IRSSS, Elders come onsite twice a month and offer cedar brushing, smudging, and cultural teachings, to youth and staff.

Staff Training

The Kairos Blanket Exercise is an experiential teaching tool that explores the historic and contemporary relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The Ballantyne Project

Used in staff training, The Ballantyne Project bridges the awareness gap between Indigenous communities and the rest of Canada. It is used to spark social consciousness and promote understanding.

Anti-Human Trafficking Toolkit

This toolkit, created by CHV, has sections that specifically address Indigenous challenges. The toolkit was created to support partner organizations in serving youth who are at risk of, currently experiencing, or those who have survived, human trafficking and/or exploitation.