UNYA - Urban Native Youth Association

UNYA - Urban Native Youth Association UNYA is a registered not-for-profit society with the Province of BC and a federally registered charitable organization.

With 20+ culturally responsive, holistic programs and services, UNYA's youth-led approach helps Indigenous youth (ages 11 - 30) in Metro Vancouver explore their personal goals for education, work, culture, and life. UNYA was formed in 1988 to address Native youth issues when growing numbers of young people began leaving reserves for the city. Many continue to arrive in Vancouver with few job skill

s, minimal training or education, and little or no knowledge of where to go for help. Today, approximately 60% of the Native population lives in urban settings, and 60% of the overall Native population is under the age of 25. As of 2009, we have twenty-one programs, over one hundred volunteers, almost 100 full and part-time staff, and 190+ community partners. Our annual operating budget is approximately $4.5 million. We continue to focus much of our efforts on community development initiatives, as we believe that the strengthening of our community as a whole can have a tremendous positive impact on the lives of Native youth. We have tried to contribute to the positive development of our community by creating our Full Circle and Helping Hands manuals, hosting community meetings and forums, offering training on youth issues, serving on community steering committees, conducting research, developing innovative programs, hiring and training youth, participating on the Metro Vancouver Aboriginal Executive Council, and creating partnerships that expand services for Native youth.

🌊 AYF is halfway through the Pulling Together Canoe Journey 2026! Over the past several days, our youth and staff have b...
08/19/2026

🌊 AYF is halfway through the Pulling Together Canoe Journey 2026!

Over the past several days, our youth and staff have been paddling alongside Indigenous communities, learning from host Nations, building meaningful connections, and embracing the teachings that come with being on the water.

From Sts'ailes First Nation to Matsqui Regional Park, and from Kwikwetlem First Nation toward today's destination at Tsawwassen First Nation (Wellington Point Park), this journey has challenged our youth to work together, support one another, and grow in confidence every step (and paddle stroke) of the way.

We're incredibly proud of all AYF participants and grateful to the organizers, host Nations, families, volunteers, and supporters who make this experience possible.

Please join us in sending words of encouragement to our youth as they continue their journey! πŸ’™πŸ›Ά

Pulling Together Canoe Society Unya-ayf

Starting tomorrow, youth and staff from UNYA's AYF Sports & Rec Program begin their participation in the Pulling Togethe...
08/14/2026

Starting tomorrow, youth and staff from UNYA's AYF Sports & Rec Program begin their participation in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey. 🌊🚣

For many youth, the journey is about much more than paddling. It is an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen teamwork, learn from host Nations, and deepen connections to culture, community, and the water.

Over the coming days, participants will travel alongside Indigenous communities from across the region, carrying forward teachings of respect, responsibility, perseverance, and unity.

We wish all participants a safe and meaningful journey and look forward to following their experiences along the way.

We're cheering you on! πŸ›ΆπŸ’™

πŸ“£ We're Hiring!Join the Urban Native Youth Association as a Community Support & Impact Intern.This 12-month paid interns...
08/06/2026

πŸ“£ We're Hiring!

Join the Urban Native Youth Association as a Community Support & Impact Intern.

This 12-month paid internship offers hands-on experience in community engagement, communications, administration, donor stewardship, and special events while supporting opportunities for Indigenous youth.

✨ Highlights:
β€’ $49,340/year
β€’ 4-day work week (32 hours)
β€’ Comprehensive benefits package
β€’ Professional development opportunities
β€’ Meaningful work that creates community impact

πŸ“§ Apply by sending your cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

πŸ“Ž See the attached job posting for full details:
https://unya.bc.ca/uncategorized/community-support-impact-intern/

We encourage qualified Indigenous applicants, including First Nations, MΓ©tis, and Inuit candidates, to apply. This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE 10K: πŸƒ Run for Indigenous Youth. Make a Difference.On September 27, 2026, lace up for the Un...
08/05/2026

ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE 10K:

πŸƒ Run for Indigenous Youth. Make a Difference.

On September 27, 2026, lace up for the Under Armour Eastside 10K as the race returns to the historic streets of Vancouver's Gastown.
Whether you're running for a personal best, walking with friends, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, every step can make a difference.

We're honoured that Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) is once again one of the race's community beneficiaries.
Taking place just four days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this event is an opportunity to move with purpose while supporting Indigenous youth as they build brighter futures through culture, community and opportunity.

Run with purpose. Walk with purpose. Give with purpose.

Register or Donate here:
https://canadarunningseries.com/vancouver-eastside-10k/community-fundraising/ -you-can-help

The Urban Native Youth Association is hiring a Medical Office Assistant to join our incredible team at the Native Youth ...
08/04/2026

The Urban Native Youth Association is hiring a Medical Office Assistant to join our incredible team at the Native Youth Health and Wellness Centre!

This is a NEW opportunity offering a full time, Monday to Friday schedule.

As the first friendly face youth and families see, you'll help create a safe, supportive space while coordinating appointments, supporting clinic operations, and connecting youth with vital health services.

πŸ’™ What you'll enjoy:
✨ Monday to Friday schedule
✨ $27.11 per hour
✨ Comprehensive benefits
✨ Vacation, sick, and wellness days
✨ Professional development opportunities
✨ Employee Assistance Program
✨ Working alongside an amazing team that's passionate about Indigenous youth

If you're organized, compassionate, and want your work to have a real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

πŸ“… Applications close August 12 at 5:00 PM

πŸ“§ Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Know someone who'd be perfect? Tag them below or share this post!

https://unya.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MOA-FT-term-position-1-year-contract-NYHWC-August-2026.pdf

August at UNYA! 🌿✨🌸Our August Drop-In Calendars are here! Swipe through to see everything we have planned this month.Thi...
08/04/2026

August at UNYA! 🌿✨🌸

Our August Drop-In Calendars are here! Swipe through to see everything we have planned this month.

This August, we're especially excited to celebrate UNYA's Native Youth Day on August 28 and to support our AYF Sports & Rec team and youth as they take part in the Pulling Together Canoe Journey once again on August 15. We're cheering you on! πŸ₯°

β˜€οΈ Summer Drop-In Hours
Monday to Thursday: 1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Please note: Some activities may require an RSVP. Check in with staff for details.

Questions? Contact program staff or reception at (604) 254-7732.

Woven Futures is a new leadership initiative delivered through Overly Creative Minds - OCM. If you have an interest in f...
08/04/2026

Woven Futures is a new leadership initiative delivered through Overly Creative Minds - OCM. If you have an interest in fashion design, we really encourage you to sign up! 🧡✨

Limited spots are available for the first cohort. Sign up by Thursday, August 6.

Woven Futures is a new youth leadership initiative at UNYA delivered through Overly Creative Minds (OCM). Through hands-on workshops training led by OCM manager youth will learn the full arc of garment creation. From sketching, pattern making, sewing and technical skills to express their identity through textiles and fashion.

Sign up with OCM Manager, limited spots available for first Cohort deadline to sign up is Thursday August 6th

πŸ¦…βœ¨

Music with Myles is on every Friday this July! If you're into singing, songwriting, or just want to try something new, t...
07/29/2026

Music with Myles is on every Friday this July!

If you're into singing, songwriting, or just want to try something new, this is your space to create and have fun.

πŸ“… Fridays at 1:30 - 4:30 PM

πŸ“1618 E Hastings St. (in the OCM)

Come by and hang out, we'd love to see you here!

Conflict happens, but you don't have to handle it alone. πŸ«‚UNYA's Mediation Program provides counselling support for yout...
07/24/2026

Conflict happens, but you don't have to handle it alone. πŸ«‚

UNYA's Mediation Program provides counselling support for youth who are experiencing conflict with people in their lives. Through positive communication and problem-solving, we help youth work towards understanding and meaningful solutions.

Reach out to learn more about our Mediation Program by calling the Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre: (604) 253-5885.

Available for Indigenous youth ages 13 – 18 years old.

Join us in celebrating Pride and community health!We are happy to partner with REACH Community Health Centre and Health ...
07/23/2026

Join us in celebrating Pride and community health!
We are happy to partner with REACH Community Health Centre and Health Initiative for Men (HIM) for the 6th Annual Pride on the Drive. More details in the post below πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆβ€οΈ

REACH PRIDE on the Drive is back for our 6th year in a row! This year’s theme is gender identity and expression and we cannot wait to welcome you all. There will be colourful swag, a collaging activity, spin the wheel, gift card prizes from Cross & Crows Books, and good vibes all aroundπŸ©·πŸ’›πŸ©΅

Join us, Health Initiative for Men (HIM) and UNYA - Urban Native Youth Association outside REACH on July 30.
We look forward to celebrating Pride and community health with you. All are welcome! πŸ³οΈβ€πŸŒˆπŸ³οΈβ€βš§οΈ

Address

1618 East Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
V5L1S6

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
1:30pm - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
1:30pm - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
1:30pm - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
1:30pm - 9pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
1:30pm - 9pm

Telephone

+16042547732

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when UNYA - Urban Native Youth Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share