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 Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni 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 Port Alberni Friendship Centre, the program is being delivered through:

• Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre (Smithers)
• Fraser Regional Friendship Centre (Surrey)
• Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre
• Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Society (Nanaimo)
• Prince George Native Friendship Centre 

Quotes:

Josie Osborne, MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim –

“Friendship centres play such an important role in supporting Indigenous people and strengthening community connections. This pilot means more people will have access to culturally grounded support, close to home, from organizations they know and trust. I’m grateful to see this investment helping people in Port Alberni make meaningful connections to services, culture and community.”

Cyndi Stevens, executive director, Port Alberni Friendship Center –

“At our Friendship Centre, we’re proud to walk alongside our community every day, sharing in their journeys and supporting each other. This support makes it easier for us to connect with Indigenous adults who have diverse abilities, in ways that honour their culture and community. We’re excited about this pilot project because it allows us to meet people where they are and link them with services that truly reflect their values and priorities, bringing us closer to reconciliation.”

Quick Facts:

• Government is investing $900,000 in the pilot project through CLBC.
• 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/