Elders and Cultural Programs - Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

Indigenous Services, LGBT2Q+ Community, and LGBT2Q+ Community

Provided by Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS)

These programs and services are rich in culture and stay true to traditional Indigenous knowledge and methods.
Elders play an essential role in incorporating cultural traditions into all programs and services offered at VNHS. Through culture, Elders provide guidance that supports the individual in finding their strong sense of identity and help to ensure our health services stay true to Indigenous teachings and knowledge.

This program provides access to trauma and violence-informed care in a safe, supportive environment that understands and accounts for an individual's unique circumstances and experiences. When an individual feels their journey is understood, they will be encouraged and empowered to continue seeking healing through their community.

Elders are deeply committed to providing guidance through teachings that create opportunities for individuals to improve their health and well-being and connect to their community.

- Cultural Programs and Elder Connections: The impacts of colonization, intergenerational and ongoing traumas have left many with a negative or absent connection to their Indigenous identity, community and culture. The Cultural programs acknowledge the necessity of culture in supporting resilience and the healing journey. This program offers: One to one visit with an Indigenous Elder; Access to healthcare providers; Access to Indigenous ceremonies – Sweat lodge, Burning ceremony, Seasonal feasts, etc.; Therapeutic listening: Advocacy: Referrals to health and social services – including detox centers, alcohol and drug counselling, and housing support; Cultural Teaching Circles.

- Urban Indigenous Safety Collective: This program provides support to Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals by helping them meet basic needs, access resources, achieve wellness goals, and enhance their safety. The aim is to remove barriers caused by gender-based violence, poverty, discrimination, colonialism, and other systemic harms. Services include assistance with safety and wellness planning, applying for benefits, traditional healing, outreach, connections to Elders, and group activities. Located at the VAHS cultural program space, it is open to all, regardless of VAHS patient status.

604 254 9949 ext. 228

Public email: admin@vahs.life

Website: https://vahs.life/programs...

449 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 1P5

Cost: No cost

Associated Programs/Services

Also offered by Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS):

Availability

Service area: Vancouver + show cities

Service area cities: Vancouver

Service Types Provided
Indigenous Services
LGBT2Q+ Community
LGBT2Q+ Community
Ways to Access
  • Provided 1:1 in-person
  • Provided in a group in-person

The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.

Pathways does not provide medical advice. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1. If you require assistance navigating services please call 8-1-1.

For general inquiries or for assistance, please email us:

community-services@pathwaysbc.ca

If you are requesting clinical access to medical Pathways, please provide the following information via the email above:

  1. First Name
  2. Last Name
  3. Email
  4. In which city/town do you work?
  5. What is your role? E.g. Family Physician, Office Staff, Medical Resident
  6. Employer Name (for office staff)
  7. Office Phone

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