House of
Friendship
Society
Promoting Wellness and Unity the Hiiye'yu Lelum addresses the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people by providing holistic programs and services.
Goals &
Objectives
BRIDGING CULTURES
To provide a cultural bridge between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures in the Cowichan Valley.
CENTRAL SERVICES
To provide a central facility where counseling, information and referral services are provided, and where meetings, educational and recreational activities may take place.
OPPORTUNITIES
To provide opportunities for the development of Aboriginal leadership in the community.
WELL-BEING
To promote the well-being of Aboriginal people through program development.
OUR HISTORY
Originally named the Valley Native Friendship Centre (VNFC), the Society was established in 1975 in Duncan, B.C. Members of the local community, particularly Cowichan Band Chief Dennis Alphonse, Duncan Mayor Mike Coleman and initial Board President Alfie McDames, saw a need for a cultural bridge between the local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
There was also an obvious need for services to alleviate the problems the urban Aboriginal population was facing in the areas of health, social, housing and employment. Following the historic pattern of the Friendship Centre movement, the VNFC began as a referral service that survived on fundraising and grants and volunteer labour. Initial premises were at the old rectory beside St. Ann's Church, then relocated to a small office in downtown Duncan on Station St.
The VNFC succeeded in obtaining core funding from Secretary of State in 1982. At that time, the Centre moved to the Log Mart on the highway. Again, following the historic trend of the Friendship Centre movement, the VNFC provided more and more direct services, as it grew and evolved. The Family Support Worker program first began to be funded in 1988 by the Ministry of Social Services and Housing. Healthiest Babies Possible program began in 1989 funded through the Ministry of Health. Also in 1989, the Addictions program began, funded through the Ministry of Labour.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Family Support Worker Program
Addictions Program
Cultural Development
Four Pillars Program
Healthiest Babies Possible and Early Years
Healthy Children, Healthy Futures
Youth Inclusion Project
FASD Key Worker Program
Homelessness Program
Homeless Prevention Program
BC Housing
Families Growing Together
Family Connections
My Tween & Me
Right To Play
Nobody’s Perfect
Young Families Program
Cowichan Community Kitchens
Treasure Box
Employment and Training Services
OTHER PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Please contact our Program Director for assistance
(250) 748-2242
Housing, advocacy, legal rights, referrals
Liaison with Social Services
Rights and benefits for Aboriginal People
Work experience, practicums, volunteering
We also have sports and recreation programs such as swim nights, and youth soccer and basketball leagues.
Suggestions are always welcome.
CONTACT
HIIYE'YU
LELUM
OUR MAILING ADDRESS
Hiiye'yu Lelum Society
P.O. Box 1015
Duncan, B.C.
V9L 3Y2
Email: AJack@hofduncan.org
Tel: (250) 748-2242
For any general inquiries, please fill in the following contact form: