Celebrating 50 Years of Hiiye’yu Lelum’

For 50 years, Hiiye’yu Lelum has been a place for community. It has been a place to gather, find support, connect with culture, share a meal and build relationshnips that foster belonging within community.

In 2025, Hiiye’yu Lelum (House of Friendship Society) celebrated 50 years of serving and walking alongside children, youth, adults, Elders and families in the Cowichan Valley.

Our story began in 1975, when founder Dennis Alphonse recognized the need for a place where Indigenous people could gather, find support and feel a sense of belonging. Together with the founding Board of Directors, he helped establish what was then known as the Valley Native Friendship Centre.

The early Friendship Centre was small. It began primarily as a referral service and relied on fundraising, grants and the time and care of volunteers. The Centre first operated from the Old Rectory beside St. Ann’s Church before moving to Station Street and later to the Log Mart on the Trans-Canada Highway.

As community member needs changed, the Friendship Centre continued to grow with them.

Programs were added to provide more direct support to individuals and families. Addictions services began in 1984, the Family Support Worker Program followed in 1988, and Healthiest Babies Possible began in 1989. In 1994, the organization became Hiiye’yu Lelum’ (House of Friendship) Society.

The buildings, programs and services have changed over the years, but the importance of relationships has remained.

50 Years Together

In September 2025, more than 700 people joined us at the BC Forest Discovery Centre to celebrate the 50th anniversary. It was a day for community to be together.

There were train rides, cedar weaving, carving, activities for children, performances, food and time to visit. Nathaniel Arcand, Monique Gray Smith, Nate Harris, the Tzinquaw Dancers, the Quw’utsun Smun’eem Children’s Dance Group and Zumba with Rhonda joined the celebration.

The Rotary Club of Duncan operated the barbecue, and Island Ford contributed $10,000 toward the event.

Most importantly, the gathering brought together many of the people who have been part of Hiiye’yu Lelum’ over the years.

The 50th anniversary gave us time to remember where we started, honour the people who helped build the Friendship Centre and celebrate the staff, Board members, Elders, volunteers, families, partners and community members who continue to carry the work.

Present Day

Today, Hiiye’yu Lelum’ provides more than 25 programs and services supporting people through many stages of life.

Families can find support during pregnancy and the early years. Children have opportunities to learn through culture and Hul’q’umi’num’ language. Youth have places to connect, build confidence and develop leadership. Elders are supported to remain connected and engaged. Other programs provide food, housing support, counselling, recovery and wellness services, employment and training, advocacy, justice supports and opportunities for cultural connection.