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Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA)

by Corinne Lee, Research and Project Coordinator

Of the estimated 60,000 persons of Aboriginal descent currently residing in Metro Vancouver, about 60% (36,000) are under the age of 25 (United native Nations, personal communication). Tracking by the Adolescent Street Unit in 1997 revealed that over 1000 youth were working the streets, street-entrenched or living the street lifestyle. A good 40% of these street kids were Aboriginal aged 19 or under, and of these, 70% came to Vancouver from outside the province. Of these at least 35% were estimated to be gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered.

Youth come into Vancouver from cities, towns and reserves from all over BC and other provinces. Such youth are highly transient, poverty-stricken and emotionally as well as physically displaced. More often than not, they come from backgrounds with heavy alcohol , drug and other substance abuse, very few job skills, inadequate education and a history of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. A large proportion have lived with foster families and do not know their biological parentage. Many are single teen mothers who have difficulties caring for their families. Victims and survivors of residential school systems have grown up dysfunctional, with very poor, if any, parenting skills. The majority of those youth on income assistance or welfare come from generations on government assistance. Those ineligible for income assistance are homeless and end up living on the streets.

Urban Native Youth Association, incorporated as a non-profit society in 1989, was formed in order to address the issues and needs of Aboriginal youth. The Association remains today the only agency which delivers services specifically for Aboriginal youth aged 30 and under. Under its umbrella, several programs have been created, developed and implemented to serve a broad spectrum of needs.

Aboriginal Safehouse

Aboriginal Safehouse is a self-referral short-term temporary housing program for street-involved Aboriginal youth aged 16-18 years. The Safehouse is a non-judgemental environment where street youth can be free from sexual and/or physical exploitation. Maximum stay is 7 days. Referral are accepted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Admission requirements for the Safehouse are that youth be street-involved, aged 16-18, male or female, and wanting to make a positive change in their lives, be at the Safehouse by their own choice, and be respectful to staff and other youth living at the house. Services offered at the Safehouse are: 3 meals a day, private rooms, workout room, resource centre, library, TV room, arts and crafts, cultural area and support. The 24-hour phone number is 254-5147 (Rob Lind or Barbara Lawson).

Aries

Aries project is a day/evening program for street-involved Aboriginal youth aged 13-18 years whose basic economic and social needs are being met on the streets rather than through family support systems, employment or academic endeavors. The program provides in-school, nutritious daily meals, recreational and social programs, arts and crafts, Aboriginal cultural enrichment, basic life skills and health information, individual counselling, academic upgrading and alcohol and drug counselling. Phone 255-1326 (Nancy Johnson).

Aboriginal Ways Accelerate Youth

Aboriginal Ways Accelerate Youth (AWAY) is a leadership development program designed for Aboriginal youth aged 16-24 years. The program provides an understanding of cultural unity and behaviour patters, introduction to alternative behaviour patterns that reflect historical, cultural and community-based social values, nutritious meals, outdoor leisure activities, alcohol and drug awareness, anger management, communication skills, conflict resolution, time management and creative arts. Phone 254-2226 (Thomas Zerre).

Two Spirit Youth Group

Two-Spirit Youth Group is a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered Aboriginal youth group which meets twice a week to discuss the concerns that they have which are unique to this target group. This is a psycho-educational group with two facilitators who present topics such as alcohol and drug issues, HIV education, safe sex, sexuality, First Nations culture and suicide education. Phone 254-7746 (Jackie Lynne and David Kirk).

Youth Outreach

Youth Outreach is a program whereby youth workers provide crisis intervention to youth under the age of 16 years and on the streets. Counselling services and referral are made for the youth to access relevant resources and systems of support. Phone 254-7783 (Connie Fife).

Urban Native Youth Association
1607 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC V5L 1S7
p. 254-7732/ f. 254-7811
Jerry Adams (Executive Director)