Urban Native Youth Association

Founded in 1988 the urban native youth association is an idigenous youth-driven organization. Unya delivers 20+ culturally-responsive prevention-focused programs and initiatives designed to meet the diverse needs of indigenous youth in the urban setting. Working with 175+ volunteers 100 staff and more than 300 community partners unya provides a welcoming place for indigenous youth from throughout bc - and across canada - to access supports and opportunities which enable them to explore their personal goals and develop their leadership skills in a fun safe and healthy environment. Education: aries and cedar walk (educational day programs); kinnections and mentorship; native youth learning centre (pre-employment); overly creative minds (arts and culture); school support program (a & d prevention). Personal support: aboriginal outreach team; transition team (supporting youth transitioning to independent living); aboriginal wellness counsellor (mental health); alcohol and drug counsellors; mediation counsellor; native youth health and wellness centre (primary and holistic health care); aboriginal youth worker (cultural and community engagement leadership lifeskills); wisdom of elders (indigenous healing and wellness). Live-in: aboriginal youth safehouse and 24-hour info and referral line; ravens lodge; young bears lodge (culturally-based live-in empowerment and recovery program. Sports and recreation: aboriginal youth first (ayf) program (sports recreation leadership) new building capacity: a new 34 month project aimed to educate provide early intervention and provide crisis support to youth on gender-based violence against indigenous women girls and 2slgbtqqia+ people.