Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging

Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging Culturally safe supportive housing for Indigenous youths ages 16 - 26 who have had association with the provincial child welfare system.

Lii Michif Otipemisiwak Family and Community Services (LMO) has developed “Kikekyelc A Place of Belonging”, a culturally safe and supportive housing complex for young Indigenous youth ages 16-26 that have transitioned out of the provincial child welfare system. When youth age out of the system at 19 years old, they no longer receive Ministry supports, thereby positioning them for serious risk of l

oss of identity, family, community, and culture; homelessness; and high risk behaviours. We know that almost half the youth in care are Indigenous (Métis, First Nations, and Inuit), even though Indigenous people represent only 4% of the Canadian population, and that few culturally safe and competent support services are available to help young urban Indigenous men navigate and overcome the multiple barriers that present themselves when they age out. Some of the well documented barriers include low self-esteem, depression, trauma, inter-generational trauma, insufficient education, poverty, racism, and prejudice. In Kamloops, 72% of homeless youth have been involved with the child welfare system, Indigenous youth are over-represented, and males make up 2/3 of the population of homeless Indigenous people. (Kamloops Homeless count 2014). Our home has resident Elders, cultural mentors, and in-house support workers, and what characterizes our housing project is the vision of culturally responsive services rooted in the strength of reconciliation. We provide the tools, life skills, cultural immersion, connections, and teachings for our young men to move forward in their lives, in a good way. As a Métis Kookum recently framed it, “You can’t get lost, once you decide to follow your own Moccasin Trail.”

Envisioned from an Indigenous worldview, every aspect of our housing design is holistic and inclusive, while incorporating research recommendations specific to the transitional needs of vulnerable young people. If you are interesting in making a financial and/or material donations, and we would be truly grateful. As we are a non-profit agency, we can provide a tax receipt for donations. Respectfully and Megwich/Marsi

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!
12/23/2022

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!!

Coming soon! call or text 250-299-4975 to sign up
03/24/2022

Coming soon! call or text 250-299-4975 to sign up

Just a heads up on a cool opportunity...
03/23/2022

Just a heads up on a cool opportunity...

Youth you are invited!!! Check it out!!!
03/17/2022

Youth you are invited!!! Check it out!!!

Metis youth check out this amazing opportunity!!
02/20/2022

Metis youth check out this amazing opportunity!!

Learn what the future has for you at Rivers University through Métis Nation BC. Harris Link in bio!

CTV National News stopped by for a visit on Wednesday!
10/02/2021

CTV National News stopped by for a visit on Wednesday!

An innovative housing project in B.C. is providing a space for elders to help Indigenous youth reconnect with their culture.

Address

707 Tranquille Road
Kamloops, BC
V2B3J1

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12503125118

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Kikékyelc: A Place of Belonging posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share