Victoria Youth Custody Centre 

The Native Liaison in contracted through the Victoria Youth Custody Centre to provide cultural support/awareness for youth and staff at VYCC. 

The Native Liaison goals are to:  

  • Increase cultural awareness of youths and staff at the VYCC
  • Connect youths with families and resources prior to release
  • Maintain and/or strengthen bonds between the VYCC, Native Communities and youths in care
  • Assist in programming, care plans and release planning for youths in care
  • Support youths on the "Intensive Support and Supervision Program”      
As part of creating a culturally supportive environment at VYCC the Native Liaison provides one to one support as well as culturally appropriate programming. 

 

Core programs offered are: 

  • Smudging and talking circles - offered at least once a week for each unit, and as needed on an individual basis
  • Rediscovering Histories of Spirits and Nations - a 6 week intensive program addressing colonization, its effects on youths, and strategies for decolonization, offered 2-3 times a year based on volunteer availability
  • Drum healing - offered individually as needed
  • Workshops/presentations - varied, IE: Indigenous Peoples and Drug Use, affirmations, environmental videos, offered ongoing as needed
  • Arts and crafts - various projects such as drum making, dream catchers, talking sticks ect, offered ongoing as needed
  • Reintegration Leaves - accompanying youths in care on cultural outings in the community to support transition, offered ongoing as needed

The Native Liaison does not hold office hours at the VNFC. 

Available hours at VYCC are: 
  • Tuesday  (1:00 - 9:00 pm)
  • Wednesday to Friday  (9:00 am - 5:00 pm). 
Contact:
  • Em:     Jennifer W. 
  • Ph: (250) 708-2229                                                   
  • Fax: (250) 708-0373