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 Prince George 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 Prince George Native 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 the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, the program is being delivered through:
- Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre (Smithers)
- Fraser Regional Friendship Centre (Surrey)
- Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre
- Port Alberni Friendship Centre
- Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society (Nanaimo)
Quote:
Barb Ward-Burkitt, Wahiyow Cawapata Scoo (Sees Far Woman), executive director, Prince George Native Friendship Centre –
“Through Connections Through Inclusion, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre is removing barriers and fostering belonging while empowering urban Indigenous individuals to build meaningful connections to family and community. This program helps people build relationships, value culture and grow together in ways that honour diversity and celebrate connection and inclusion.”
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/
