The Indigenous Safety in Healthcare (ISH) program is a 2.5-day, skills – based learning program that empowers healthcare worker and leaders to move beyond awareness and into transformative change. This experiential, Indigenous-led program combines skills-based and experiential learning to help participants move beyond cultural awareness into meaningful action. 

Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, the ISH program builds cultural fluency in Indigenous histories—from pre-contact to present day—while equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to foster safer, more inclusive healthcare environments.

Key learning outcomes include understanding Indigenous experiences and the impact of historical 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 healthcare practices. 

Through a combination of online learning and in-person sessions, participants explore key concepts including: 

• Indigenous histories and health disparities 
• Rights-based approaches aligned with UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action 
• Local Nations and community-specific experiences 
• Indigenous teachings, perspectives, and cultural safety practices 
• Supporting B.C. Ministry of Health’s  In Plain Sight: Address Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in B.C. Health Care findings and recommendations.  

Program Details 
This 2.5 day program (1/2 day self-paced online learning + 2 full in-person days) is held at the VNFC. In-person experiential learning includes teachings from Knowledge Keepers and participation in cultural practices, a Learning Materials Booklet to accompany and support the online modules, and a completion certificate to support professional development.  This program offers: 

• A comprehensive deep dive into healthcare sector commitments to cultural safety and why they matter. 
• A wholistic approach that addresses learning with mind, body, emotions, and spirit. 
• A culturally grounded, locally developed, and Indigenous-designed learning opportunity. 
• Active learning using multiple approaches and modalities to build skills in providing culturally safe and anti-racist healthcare. 

Please enquire by emailing learning.programs@vnfc.ca 

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

“I was very grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the VNFC ISH program, along with colleagues from BC Cancer – Victoria. The online materials provided excellent background and context for the work, and the in-person sessions were invaluable learning opportunities. Many Indigenous cultural safety courses are only offered online, and when you can participate in-person in an interactive environment, it truly deepens the learning. I think that this course format really helps staff build the skills and confidence they need to deliver more culturally safe, empathetic and patient-centered care.” 

The post Indigenous Safety in Healthcare appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The post VNFC Faces Loss of Language Hub Funding appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

Personal Support
– Referrals to community resources
– Advocacy
– Food Security
– Support navigating various governmental systems (MCFD, Youth Justice, Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction)
– Support with making and getting to crucial appointments

Education
– Employment readiness (resume writing, job applications)
– Education and Alternate Education Plans
– Life skills

Health
– Mental health, substance use, sexual health, and referrals
– Help accessing harm reduction/sexual health supplies
– Support navigating health care system
– Pregnancy and parenting support
– Helping 2SLBTQIA+ individuals access gender affirming care
– Access to sports and recreation

Housing
– Support with housing applications

The post One-to-One Youth Support Services appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The post Victoria Native Friendship Centre takes over Indigenous homelessness fund appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The post VNFC launches Knit, a milestone initiative supporting Indigenous Artistry appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

Salish Sea House is a new, 28-unit workforce building located at 7611 Central Saanich Road. This property was designed to provide subsidizing housing for working families. In hopes to bridge the gap of affordable rent while participating in the work force. Workforce housing eligibility requires households to have at least one person holding steady employment, and overall household income are within the Housing Income Limits (HIL’s). These self-contained units consist of 2-bedroom units, 3-bedroom units, and an accessible 3-bedroom unit.

The post Salish Sea Workforce Housing appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction does on-site sessions at VNFC for income assistance, ID and form assistance. Please see VNFC calendar.

The post MSDPR Outreach Program appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

The post Victoria Native Friendship Centre seeks $1.3 million in contributions for multi-unit youth housing appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.

Aanii, biindigen! Hello, welcome!

The Anishinaabe Language Table at VNFC is a casual gathering where we explore our culture and language through laughter, stories and fun. We play games, sing songs, make art, and share from our hearts. We seek to create a space of joy and belonging for Anishinaabek living out here on the coast. Our language has an amazing power to bring us together. It connects us to our ancestors and reveals so much about the way we operate as people.

We invite Anishinaabe people to join us casually or regularly for these precious gatherings. We hope to see you soon, dear relative.

The post Anishinaabe Language Cohort appeared first on Victoria Native Friendship Centre.