Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)

The Mediation Program empowers Indigenous youth ages 13 to 18 by offering the support and resources you need to positively resolve conflicts or misunderstandings in your life. Our clinical counsellor works with you, and others in your life (identified by you), to encourage and facilitate discussions so that you can find solutions to problems before they become crises.

Young Bears Lodge is a culturally-based, holistic healing lodge for Indigenous youth looking to make changes to their relationship with drugs or alcohol. Young Bears Lodge is a live-in program, with five spots for Indigenous youth of all genders, ages 13 to 18.

Our counsellors will help you recognize and positively deal with issues affecting your mental wellbeing. This could be anything affecting the way you think, feel, or act. The support our counsellors provide is non-judgmental, and can help you with handling stress, making decisions, and dealing with issues related to drugs, alcohol, relationships, family, friends, gender identity, sexuality, or with anything else that you’re struggling with.

UNYA’s Aboriginal Youth Safehouse (ASH) is a voluntary, short-term, live-in program for youth ages 16 to 18 who do not have a safe place to stay. ASH is a supportive, non-judgmental place where you can focus on your own goals and work towards making positive change.

UNYA’s Kinnections Mentoring Program matches Indigenous youth ages 16 to 19 with trained volunteer mentors. Our mentors help you realize your strengths, work towards your goals, and build your confidence and independence.

UNYA’s Mentorship Program matches Indigenous youth ages 12 to 15 with trained volunteer mentors. Participating in the Mentorship Program is an opportunity to form a trusting relationship with a non-judgmental, encouraging adult who you can talk to, try new activities with, and go to for advice.