Native Youth Drop-In Centre

Goals/Purpose of Program

The Native Youth Drop-In provides a safe, healthy, and positive space for youth to meet and interact with each other. The Drop-In assists in finding information on services available to youth, and empowers youth to become part of their community in productive ways. The Drop-in gives the opportunity for Youth to learn from each other, and share cultural teachings. Workshops and Guest Speakers are provided to educate youth on subjects that interest them. By providing these, the Drop-In offers tools for Youth to work with. It encourages Youth to take the initiative in being ‘leaders of tomorrow.’

What Youth Are Saying

"We are always asked about our ideas and thoughts around decision making."

"I gained leadership, self-esteem, confidence, and lots, lots more.""

"Helped me in my public-speaking skills."

"When I really needed to talk to the staff they were always there to listen and give good advice."

"I felt like I had no place to go. I was drinking and doing drugs."

"Don’t know what I would be doing if I didn't go to the Drop-In. Probably partying more, bored. Wouldn’t have met many of my friends."

Program Activities

Computers The Native Youth Drop-In offers a range of activities, including: a pool and foosball table, board games, computers with internet access, video games, sewing machines, and plenty of materials for arts and crafts. Weekly programming involves trips to the gym/swimming pool, cultural arts and crafts, attending West Coast Night, U & Me Discussions, which involves workshops on issues of the Youths choosing, and a Video Night. On occasion, as part of monthly programming, the Drop-In takes Youth on Recreational outings such as Movie Night Out, and bowling. Partnerships with other Urban Native Youth Programs allow for the Drop-In to go on major ventures like Canoe Journeys, and Hiking/Camping trips.

How Youth can become involved

View From Canoe Programming is open to Native Youth ages 15-24. Youth who access the Drop-In are asked to follow the basic guidelines that were set-up by the youth themselves, to create and keep a safe, positive, and healthy space to hang out. Youth are also encouraged to share their knowledge and/or skills, and learn from each other with in a respectful way and open mind, and all the while having fun in the process.

Volunteer Opportunities

We have partnered with artists to come in to teach youth specific arts skills while creating an art piece for the Drop-in. if you are interested in doing something like this, we're interested in talking to you.

Program Funders

The Native Youth Drop-In Centre is funded by the Urban Multipurpose Youth Centres Initiative, provided by the Department of Canadian Heritage

Native Youth Drop-In Centre Program Brochure (pdf)

How to contact us:

1618 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V5L 1S6
Phone: (604) 254-7712
Fax: (604) 254-7811
Email: dropin@unya.bc.ca

Urban Native Youth Association