Initiatives
and Needs
Your contribution invests in the unique needs of Indigenous youth in our community. Assist Mémiyelhtel in providing critical supports.
Resiliency & Mental Health
Support Indigenous youth with culturally relevant programming to support their mental wellness.
The Mémiyelhtel program is aiming to provide specialized programming that enhances resiliency and promotes wellness: mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Indigenous youth are overrepresented in rates of homeless, child welfare, and in B.C.’s custody centres, and these youth have much higher rates of drug and alcohol use, suicide attempts, histories of abuse, and other health problems. Indigenous youth have higher rates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) which can have lasting, negative effects on health, well-being, and opportunity.
Your donation will fund the ongoing costs of offering clinical groups, including facilitator wages, planning, materials, and supplies. The youth most impacted will be those who are currently on the waitlist for Mémiyelhtel programming, as well as those already engaged in the program receiving 1:1 support. Your gift will provide support for up to 30 additional Indigenous youth annually and assist with waitlist management and early intervention.
Mémiyelhtel recognizes the cultural importance of land-based healing and recreation. Located in Chilliwack, in the heart of Stό:lō territory – S’olh Temexw – Our World – we have unlimited opportunities to build identity and connect to our ancestors and the land. We are fortunate to be surrounded by historical sites, Indigenous medicines, mountains, rivers and lakes. These experiences and connections can create lifelong impacts for the identity and wellness of young people.
Youth facing a greater spectrum of risk in our community will have access to healthy, recreational opportunities, which will foster prevention through greater connection to peers and healthy adults. By engaging in land-based and recreational programming, youth will learn new skills and passions, resiliency, and, new methods of healing.
The Mémiyelhtel program is aiming to provide weekly land-based and recreation activities to Indigenous youth who are already in the program, and those who are on the waitlist. Your donation will fund the costs of facilitator wages, cultural honorariums, outdoor gear and supplies, and associated access fees.
For every $100,000 raised, your gifts will provide 50 Indigenous youth the opportunity to participate in culturally specific recreational programming, and greatly reduce the recurring waitlist, enabling us to provide greater impact.
Land-Based Healing & Recreation
Provide opportunities for Indigenous youth to connect with the land, making space for both healing and joy.
Intensive Support & Resource Workers
Ensure all vulnerable Indigenous youth in our community have access to direct support.
The Mémiyelhtel program aims to provide support to all Indigenous youth in our community, who are in need. Currently, the waitlist for the Mémiyelhtel program is at an average of 50 youth.
Intensive Support and Resource Workers (ISRWs) provide critical, long-term intensive support to Indigenous youth and their families, on a unique case-by-case basis. Currently, ISRWs balance up to 12 youth on their caseload at any given time. To further enhance the work of both the ISRWs and the youth, we aim to add more ISRWs which would allow for smaller caseloads (i.e., 10).
Your donation will fund wages for an ISRW and all associated costs for transportation and supplies. The youth most impacted will be those youth who are most vulnerable and at-risk within our community. Youth served by an ISRW will receive support until they graduate or transition to adulthood. Your gift of $10,000 annually provides intensive support and intervention, and changes the life of one Indigenous youth.
The Crisis Fund provides support to youth and their families in times of need.
Youth and families in the Mémiyelhtel program continually face tragedy and hardship. Whether it be loss of life, primary health needs, or basic food and shelter, we strive to lessen these difficult times while maintaining dignity.
From funeral expenses, to transportation support, groceries, health fees, school supplies or clothing – financial aid can make a difference for the Indigenous families we support. The demand for this fund is evolving and the program attempts to find resources and/or find funds within the existing program to spend in these times of need.
Crisis Funds
Assist in reducing the negative impacts of crisis and trauma.
General Program Enhancements
Help meet the growing demands of the program.
The General Program Enhancement funds assist in providing critical supports to new program initiatives.
The Mémiyelhtel program continuously evaluates the need for enhancements to programing. This promotes relevant and innovative opportunities that further promote engagement with Indigenous youth.
As the Mémiyelhtel program implements each new year of service delivery, opportunities for program enhancements arise. The process of program development is fluid, and continuously adapting to best meet the needs of the youth and families we serve.
New initiatives require additional support for resources and equipment. Examples:
The trail building and riding enhancement has required the need for more mountain bikes, gear, and equipment and vehicles to support transportation.
– There is opportunity to build and utilize traditional war canoes, but this would require proper storage, and a truck and trailer for transportation to the lake.
– With increased recreational opportunities, we need to safely store and transport equipment as needed.
– Alternative school secondary grads do not have access to a graduation prom/formal. Providing this important celebration requires costs associated with formal wear, venues, meals, and transportation.
– Unique, once in a lifetime opportunities, such as our annual 3-day Fraser River rafting trip, requires additional funding for each youth participant.
– Program enhancements will most impact the 40 Indigenous youth who are currently supported by the Mémiyelhtel program. Your gift helps fund specialty program enhancements that are often the highlights or favorite memory for youth.
Baker Newby has selected Mémiyelhtel as a local, Indigenous program they would like to support. Supporting youth initiatives has long been a focus at Baker Newby LLP, as they are grateful to have been part of the growing communities of Chilliwack and Abbotsford for so many years. In keeping with their principles, in addition to direct corporate sponsorships, many of their 80 lawyers and staff have been passionate supporters of numerous youth support initiatives in the past, and are personally committed to making a real difference in the lives of all youth in our communities.
The Partners and staff at Baker Newby have learned of the Mémiyelhtel program and the high demand and waitlists for Indigenous youth in the community. A matching grant campaign has been created to support the ongoing needs and initiatives of the Mémiyelhtel program. Baker Newby will match, dollar for dollar, any donations made to the program, up to $50,000.
Your donation will fund direct, front-line services for new or existing supports, in an effort to decrease the number of youth on the waitlist. This may include one-to-one youth supports, and/or group initiatives. The goal is to raise much needed funds, increase community awareness, and, garner additional community partners and sponsorships; one-time only and annualized contributions are greatly appreciated!
Baker Newby:
One-for-One Campaign
Join Baker Newby in their community sponsorship campaign to match donations to the Mémiyelhtel program – up to $50,000.
Thank You to
Our Sponsors
