The Art of Reconciliation program is for Indigenous and non-Indigenous young people ages 18-29 to build their confidence to engage in reconciliation dialogue and actions with their peers and community. Learning spaces are based in Indigenous ways of seeing the world and inclusive of experiential cultural sharing while exploring themes of reconciliation. Art making follows a series of workshops with final artwork and artist statements resulting in weeks of reflection, group discussion, and deep learning. Public exhibitions of participant artwork brings the broader community into the reconciliation dialogue.

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The Volunteer Program provides opportunities for all community members to share their time and skills with the various departments of VNFC and help to enhance the capacity of programming and activities. We ensure all volunteers have a supported intake and strong onboarding process, which includes an online orientation webinar, screening processes, tour, and optional cultural safety training. Some opportunities include the Community Soup Lunch, Bruce Parisian Library, Food and Medicine Garden, and more!

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The Community Learning Program (CLP) is designed to support Indigenous and non-Indigenous individuals interested in working in or with Indigenous organizations. It empowers participants to foster pride in Indigenous culture, build meaningful connections, and deepen understandings of reconciliation through Indigenous ways of knowing. Through guided reflection and experiential learning, participants will gain the confidence to engage in reconciliation with awareness, respect, and impact

Program Overview
This 3.5 day program (1/2 day self-paced online learning + 3 full in-person days) is held at the VNFC. Together, we will explore experiential learning, discussions, applied skill-building and guided circle practice.

Key learning outcomes include understanding Indigenous experiences and the impact of historical and contemporary colonialism and systemic barriers, engaging with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to build mutual trust, and gaining hands-on skills for culturally safe, trauma-informed, and anti-racist practices. 

Through this program you will: 

• Develop cultural sensitivity in Indigenous history and reconciliation efforts
• Learn about the diversity of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and their contributions to society
• Practice self-location and understand the importance of territorial acknowledgments
• Access resources for continuing your reconciliation journey and tools to create a personal learning plan
• Implement right-based approaches that align with UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
• Explore Indigenous teachings relevant to local communities, including Coast Salish circle protocols, gift-giving, and Elder guidance

For more information on available dates in 2025, please contact learning.programs@vnfc.ca  and see the calendar below

Costs include learning materials, completion certificate aligned with professional development opportunities, delicious hot lunches, coffee, tea and snacks.

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The VNFC Elder Support worker is able to support Indigenous Elders by appointment, ranging from completing forms, registering for food security and referrals in house. The Elder Support helper can be reached by phone 250-384-3211 or email lisa.m@vnfc.ca.

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Hosted by one of our VNFC Kookums. Pick up bingo cards at VNFC. Have fun meeting others in our community. Everyone welcome on Zoom. Seasonally gathering in-person for VNFC’s Really BIG Bingo. Everyone Welcome. RSVP to Elder.Support@vnfc.ca

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Everyone welcome to join and work on any craft project. Led by Indigenous Cultural Practitioners. On Zoom bi-weekly and in-person monthly. Everyone Welcome. RSVP to culture@vnfc.ca.

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Everyone welcome to drop in. Yul Hill will show us simple ways to help with your overall wellness, using simple touch points and movements from the comfort of your own home. Everyone Welcome. RSVP to Elder.Support@vnfc.ca

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Everyone welcome to chat with Indigenous Elders. A safe place to meet Elders and community on Zoom for brief chit-chat over coffee. RSVP to language.support@vnfc.ca

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VNFC will host monthly Beading Circle, including our Elders, introducing local Cultural Practitioners – sharing Traditional techniques from diverse Nations. Please visit the calendar for more details. Everyone Welcome. RSVP by email culture@vnfc.ca

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Meet and greet with Indigenous authors seasonally over Zoom. Enjoy authors like Richard Van Camp, Monique Grey Smith and others as they share their words. Everyone Welcome. RSVP to lisa.m@vnfc.ca

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