UNYA - Urban Native Youth Association

06/10/2026

We're coming together for our last large-scale food pantry tomorrow. 💙🥕

On Thursday June 11, 2026, UNYA is inviting Indigenous youth to our last large-scale community Food Pantry.

What started in 2020 as a crisis response grew into something so much more- a space where community showed up for one another through food, care, and connection. We’re grateful to have supported youth at this scale for as long as we have, and we remain committed to finding meaningful ways to continue showing up for the youth we serve.

Over these past 6 years, our food pantry has been largely carried by the many hands, hearts, and relationships that made it what it is today. We truly appreciate all the work our staff and partners have done since the beginning to build up this initiative. Thank you 💙

As we close this chapter, we extend a warm invite to Indigenous youth (11-30 years old) to come and grab some groceries once more this Thursday June 11, 2026.

📅 June 11, 2026
🕑 2:00–5:00 PM
📍UNYA: 1618 E Hastings St., Vancouver BC

06/10/2026

🌟We're Hiring! OCM Youth Leader (8-Week Summer Position) 🌟

The Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) is looking for a Youth Leader to join the Overly Creative Minds (OCM) program this summer! If you're passionate about working with youth, arts and culture, leadership, and creating positive community experiences, we'd love to hear from you.

📍 Vancouver, BC
💰 $22/hour
⏰ 35 hours/week for 8 weeks
👥 Ages 15–30 eligible to apply

This is a great opportunity to gain experience, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of Indigenous youth.

📅 Application deadline: June 11

Apply here: https://unya.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/overyl-creative-minds-ocm-youth-leader-8-weeks-full-time/

06/08/2026

🎨 Happening today: OCM Screen Printing Drop-In!

Looking for something creative to do this afternoon?

Join us at Overly Creative Minds (Unya Ocm) for free screen printing drop-ins with Nick, open to self-identified Indigenous youth ages 11–24.

🖌️ Mondays (all of June)
🕒 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 UNYA | 1618 E Hastings St.

Whether you're new to screen printing or already have experience, come by to create your own designs, learn new skills, and connect with the community in a welcoming space.

Take a look at our other drop-ins for June too! No registration required.

06/05/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

UNYA’s Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre is hiring a full-time MOA, as well as Relief/Casual MOAs.

UNYA's Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre is seeking organized, community‑minded MOAs to support clinic operations, welcome youth and families, book appointments, assist practitioners, and help maintain a warm, culturally safe environment.

Details:
• $25/hour(Relief) - $27.11/hour(Full-time)
• Cultural support from UNYA’s Elder in Residence
• Experience in admin + knowledge of Indigenous communities is an asset
• Priority to qualified Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) applicants

📩 Apply with cover letter + resume to [email protected] indicating the position you are applying for!

View Full-Time MOA Position: https://unya.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/medical-office-assistant-native-youth-health-wellness-centre/

View Relief MOA Position: https://unya.bc.ca/employment-opportunity/reliefcasual-medical-office-assistant-native-youth-health-wellness-centre/

06/04/2026

💙 With mixed emotions, we want to share an important update with our community.

Unfortunately, June 11, 2026, will be our final large-scale Community Food Pantry Day.

What began in 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was created to fill an urgent gap for youth while UNYA's programs and spaces were temporarily closed. What started as a response to a crisis grew into a powerful community initiative that provided food, connection, and support to countless youth, families, and community members over the last six years.

As we prepare for this final pantry day, we want to celebrate and honour the many people who made this program possible. To the UNYA staff, volunteers, Elders, donors, partners, and community members who showed up week after week, year after year—thank you. Your dedication, generosity, and care helped build something truly meaningful.

Together, we distributed food, strengthened relationships, supported one another through challenging times, and demonstrated the power of community-led care.

While this chapter is coming to a close, the impact of this program will continue to be felt in the lives of those it touched. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to its success and legacy.

Although this will be our final large-scale Community Food Pantry Day, our commitment to supporting community remains strong. Please stay tuned for updates on other ways we are working to support our community and increase access to food.

Please join us on June 11, 2026, as we gather for our final large-scale Community Food Pantry Day and celebrate six years of community, resilience, and collective care.

❤️ Thank you for being part of this journey.

06/03/2026

Announcement 📣 Our Ever Deadly Youth Council is hosting a fundraiser at pow wow night on Tuesday June 16th! Hope to see you there!
The funds are going towards future travel for our youth advisory council to participate in cultural and community events 🦅✨Unya Ocm Tashina Unya Aboriginal Youth-Worker

Announcement 📣 Our Ever Deadly Youth Council is hosting a fundraiser at pow wow night on Tuesday June 16th! Hope to see you there!

The funds are going towards future travel for our youth advisory council to participate in cultural and community events 🦅✨

06/02/2026

Looking for programs, activities, cultural connection, or support?

Our June drop-in calendars have arrived! Scroll through to see what’s happening at our UNYA spaces this month.

Be sure to check out:
✨ 2SNYLC (Unya Nylc )
✨ OCM (Unya Ocm)
✨ AYF (Unya-ayf Sportsrec)
✨ AYW (Tashina Unya Aboriginal Youth-Worker )
✨ and more of our services!

Our drop-ins are open from 3:30pm - 7:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 1:30pm - 4:30pm on Fridays. (Check in with the programs for any last minute updates!)

Feel free to reach out to the programs directly or contact reception at (604) 254-7732 with any questions you may have.

Welcome to June! ⛱️🌻

06/01/2026

June is National Indigenous History Month – a time to celebrate Indigenous strength, culture, and leadership while continuing the work of learning, reflection, and relationship-building.

UNYA honours the knowledge, resilience, and the communities that continue to shape our future generations. We also greatly honour the loved ones who came before us. ❤️🪶

Happy National Indigenous History Month!

UNYA acknowledges that we are gathered on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are honoured and grateful to be able to do our work on this land.

05/28/2026

Ravens Lodge at UNYA 🪶

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) offers safe, culturally grounded programs that support Indigenous youth through healing, connection, and transition.

Below is a simple overview of Ravens Lodge:

Ravens Lodge is a transitional group home for Indigenous female youth ages 12–18 who are in care through VACFSS.

This program provides:
• 24/7 support in a safe home environment
• cultural activities and ceremonies
• life skills development and daily support
• connection to community resources
• support in transitioning toward independence or stable placement

Ravens Lodge focuses on helping youth feel supported, connected, and empowered during important transitions in their lives.

Both programs are grounded in culture, safety, and care, and are designed to support Indigenous youth in ways that are respectful and youth-centered.


If you would like more information about either program, please contact UNYA or visit our website.

We are here to support youth and families 🧡

Ravens Lodge is a culturally grounded, referral-based program suppo...

05/25/2026

Young Bears Lodge at UNYA 🪶

Urban Native Youth Association (UNYA) offers safe, culturally grounded programs that support Indigenous youth through healing, connection, and transition.

Below is a simple overview of Young Bears Lodge (YBL):

Young Bears Lodge is a culturally-based healing lodge for Indigenous youth ages 13–18 who are looking for support in their relationship with substances.

YBL is a live-in program that focuses on healing and wellness through:
• Indigenous teachings and ceremonies
• cultural connection and identity
• support from Elders and staff
• daily structure and care
• building strength for the future

The program provides a safe and supportive environment where youth can focus on healing, reconnecting with culture, and developing life skills and stability.

Welcome to Young Bears Lodge. A Healing Space for Indigenous Youth....