Social Development and Poverty Reduction
Summary
- Community Living BC (CLBC), in partnership with Aboriginal friendship centres, has launched Connections Through Inclusion, a pilot project aimed at bringing culturally grounded support to Indigenous people with diverse needs
- Friendship Centres in Smithers, Surrey, Prince George, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Kamloops are hiring Community Connections workers to help people access CLBC-funded services, cultural supports, housing resources and community programs
- The pilot project supports reconciliation by offering Indigenous-led, culturally safe outreach for people who often face compounded barriers in accessing services
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Indigenous people with developmental disabilities in Smithers and those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and autism who need significant help with day-to-day tasks will benefit from stronger pathways to cultural, housing and community supports through a new pilot project.
The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre will deliver the project with funding from Community Living BC (CLBC).
“Indigenous people with diverse abilities deserve supports that honour their cultures, their strengths and their connections to community,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. “So, we’re investing in approaches led by Indigenous organizations for people to be supported in ways that are close to their community, trusted and grounded in who they are. This pilot can help remove barriers and make it easier for people to access the services and cultural supports that matter most in their lives.”
Helping eligible individuals access supports
The Connections through Inclusion pilot program funds new Community Connections workers in each participating friendship centre to provide culturally informed, hands-on support for Indigenous adults who may be eligible for CLBC services. Many individuals face complex needs, unstable housing or limited support networks, and the workers respond in ways guided by local teachings, priorities and relationships.
These workers help people:
• navigate housing, health and social services
• connect with Elders, culture and community
• build relationships with CLBC and service partners
• strengthen safety, belonging and stability
“The program is part of CLBC’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety,” said Joanne Mills, vice-president of quality services and Indigenous relations, CLBC, and a member of Fisher River Cree Nation with ties to Skidegate. “It offers friendship centres the flexibility to create culturally grounded, innovative approaches that build trust and improve access to services. Our hope is that this will encourage friendship centres to pursue pre-qualification as vendors, strengthening opportunities for future service delivery partnerships.”
Pilot project starts in six B.C. communities
In addition to Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Smithers, the program is being delivered through:
- Fraser Regional Friendship Centre (Surrey)
- Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre
- Port Alberni Friendship Centre
- Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society (Nanaimo)
- Prince George Native Friendship Centre
Quote:
Annette Morgan - Nox Stakine (Mother of the Stakine), executive director, Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society –
“The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre serves as a vital support hub in our region, walking alongside Indigenous adults with diverse abilities in ways that deeply honour culture and community spirit. This program empowers us to connect with individuals at their point of need, linking them to culturally relevant services that truly reflect their values and dreams. We embrace this partnership as a crucial step toward reconciliation, ensuring that the voices of our community are not only heard but prioritized in every aspect of our work.”
Quick Facts:
- Government is investing $900,000 in the pilot project through CLBC.
- Each centre will receive $150,000.
- The pilot will run through early 2027.
- CLBC funds services for nearly 30,000 British Columbians with developmental disabilities, autism or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder who need significant assistance with daily living.
- CLBC’s Indigenous relations team works to strengthen respectful connections with Indigenous communities and expand cultural safety across its services.
Learn More:
- To learn more about CLBC’s Indigenous relations team, visit: https://www.communitylivingbc.ca/about-us/indigenous-relations/
