VICTIM SERVICES

First Nations victim services in BC are a blend of specialized programs offered by Indigenous organizations and "Indigenous-specific" streams within provincial and police agencies. These services focus on cultural safety, trauma-informed care, and holistic healing.

If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For 24/7 confidential, culturally sensitive support, call the KUU-US Indigenous Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717.

1. Primary Indigenous Victim Service Agencies

These organizations provide direct advocacy, court support, and healing resources specifically for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS): * Provides "Cultural Advocates" and emotional support for survivors and their families dealing with the intergenerational impacts of the residential school system and current systemic violence.

  • Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419

• Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of BC (NCCABC):

  • Offers "Indigenous Victim of Crime" (IVOC) support. Their advocates help navigate the justice system, explain legal rights, and provide accompaniment to court.

  • Phone: 604-985-5355

• BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC):

  • Many of the 25+ Friendship Centres across BC (such as the Victoria Native Friendship Centre or the Prince George Native Friendship Centre) have dedicated victim service workers.

2. Specialized Family & Gender-Based Support

These services focus on the safety of Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

• Helping Spirit Lodge Society (Vancouver): Provides a transition house and victim services for Indigenous women and children escaping violence.

• Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS): Provides trauma-informed support and links to victim advocates for those in the Downtown Eastside.

• Aboriginal Front Door Society: Offers "Street Outreach" and victim support for urban Indigenous populations.

3. Regional Health Authority Advocacy (Indigenous Streams)

Each Health Authority has a specific pathway for Indigenous victims of crime, particularly for sexual assault and domestic violence.

• Fraser Health: Call the Indigenous Liaison Line at 1-866-766-6960 for assistance with forensic nursing or hospital-based advocacy.

• Vancouver Coastal Health: Contact the Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program (604-314-8069) for support during medical-forensic exams.

• Island Health: Contact the Indigenous Patient Navigators at 250-370-8847 (South) or 250-755-7691 (Central).

• Interior Health: Call 250-770-3696 to reach the Aboriginal Patient Navigator network.

• Northern Health: Contact the Indigenous Patient Experience Team at 250-645-8806.

4. Police-Based Indigenous Victim Services

Many RCMP detachments and municipal police departments have dedicated Indigenous Victim Service Workers who understand the unique barriers faced by First Nations people when dealing with police.

• Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Victim Services: Serving the Lillooet and Pemberton areas.

• South Island Indigenous Victim Services: Collaborative support for First Nations communities in the Greater Victoria area.

• Upper Fraser Valley Indigenous Victim Services: Based out of Chilliwack/Agassiz, serving local Stó:lō communities.

5. Provincial & Financial Advocacy

• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) - Quality Care: If you have been a victim of racism or poor treatment within the health system, the FNHA Quality Care Office acts as your advocate.

  • Phone: 1-844-935-1044

• Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP): While a provincial program, they have specific guidelines for Indigenous applicants to help pay for traditional healing, counseling, and travel.

  • Phone: 1-866-660-3888