The Victoria Native Friendship Centre has been providing wrap around services to Urban Indigenous Community on the unceded Coast Salish territory of the Lekwungan speaking peoples since 1969.
An estimated 20,000 Indigenous individuals living off reserve from Nations all across Canada as well as the 5,000 residents from the First Nations Communities on Southern Vancouver Island access the services and programs that provide support from pre-natal to Elderhood.
VNFC takes pride in providing progressive, holistic, Culturally appropriate services from an Indigenous lens and offer an exceptional approach to First Nations issues.
VNFC - Youth Department
Our mission is to provide supportive, positive, empowering, educational and culturally sensitive programming that promotes holistic wellness for Urban Indigenous youth.
VNFC - Awakening the Warrior Within
This program was developed to support Indigenous men and women age 19 or older who are ready and willing to examine their relationship with family violence.
VNFC - Family Services Team (Child Welfare & Protection)
Consists of two family support workers and three social workers. Our mandate is to advocate on behalf of individual(s) requesting our services and to support those urban Indigenous families who are directly involved with the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).
VNFC - Addiction Counsellors
VNFC’s Addictions Counsellors can assist with a variety of services including one-on-one counselling focusing on wellness around substance use.
VNFC - Mental Health Liaison
The Mental Health Liaison assists individuals to connect with appropriate resources and provide advocacy, support and awareness on mental health issues.
VNFC - Fernwood House and Siem Lelum (Respected House)
Siem Lelum provides 41 units of safe and affordable residential housing for Indigenous single young adults (19-25) who are working and/or in school, young families and grandparents raising grandchildren, who are, or are at risk of becoming homeless, who will benefit from living in a supportive environment where they can learn parenting skills and other life-skills necessary for self-sufficiency. Fernwood House has eight self-contained, two-bedroom units.