On the beautiful territory of the Snaw-Naw-As [Snow-NOSE] First Nation on Vancouver Island, the Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre is working to save lives for teenagers from across B.C.
Co-announced by the Orca Lelum Society and the B.C. government in April 2024, Orca Lelum offers an Indigenous-led solution in response to the devastating drug and mental health crisis faced by First Nation teenagers.
Focusing on the “strength of both worlds” approach, there are mainstream wellness approaches woven with Indigenous ways of healing to create stronger outcomes while instilling purpose and lasting connection beyond initial treatment. Orca Lelum provides an important opportunity to practice Indigenous culture and ways of healing that have been passed down through generations from Elders and knowledge keepers.
In reflection on her time in care, for Rachel*, the ten-week wellness program at Orca Lelum changed her perspective on addiction and self-worth:
“One of the best parts of the program was that it wasn’t solely focused on addiction or labels like ‘addict.’ Instead, it encouraged me to look inward and acknowledge the things I’ve suppressed over the years.”
For many youth who are struggling with addiction and mental health hurdles, healing will be a life-long journey, and the centre provides a starting off point.
“I gained many tools for healthier coping, stepped out of my comfort zone, and—my favourite part—deepened my connection to culture and cultural teachings,” said Rachel. “I can’t speak for everyone who participated, but for me, the program helped me rediscover self-respect, gratitude, courage, and much more.”
To others, the youth wellness centre represents more than immediate help. For Peter*, a teenager from a Vancouver Island First Nation, Orca Lelum not only helped his healing journey but served as an inspiration to help others struggling on the similar path.
Peter tragically lost his father to an overdose just a year before voluntarily checking himself into the centre’s ten-week wellness program.
“I reached a point where I knew I needed to get help and, in a way, losing my father had become the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed,” Peter said.
The cultural teachings and mental health support he received during his time made him realize that this is a gap that is missing for so many other Indigenous youths.
“I quickly realized when I returned home that there are very few youth programs that are specifically culturally based for Indigenous youth in recovery,” he added.
After consulting with his Nation’s Chief, and with the help of his mother, Peter successfully applied to government to create a recognized nonprofit society. The name of the society is “Honoring Your Spirit Society”, which translates into Lekwungen to Həuistəŋ Tθən Sʔhəli.
“My goal in creating Honoring Your Spirit Society, is to create a safe environment for Indigenous youth to come together and have supports in their journey, whether it be in recovery or while still homeless and wanting to begin their journey in recovery,” Peter said. “My time at Orca Lelum has inspired me to give back to my community and help other youth in their healing journeys.”
Since opening its doors in the fall of 2024, Orca Lelum has now welcomed teens from more than ten cohorts and counting.
The Orca Lelum Youth Wellness Centre offers mental health crisis supports and holistic live-in wellness for youth aged 12-18 that are residents of British Columbia. Learn more about the Orca Lelum Society.
*The Youth Spirits testimonials from this story are pseudonyms out of privacy for the youths and have been provided by the Orca Lelum Society.
In the nine years since a public health emergency was called in B.C., toxic drugs have taken more than 16,000 lives in the province. This has disproportionately impacted Indigenous people, in part due to the ongoing and intergenerational trauma associated colonialism and racism.
There continues to be an Indigenous-Specific Racism in Healthcare Line available to those who require assistance with Indigenous focused health care complaint support at 1-888 600-3078. The line is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (PT).
The First Nations Health Authority also provides help for mental health or crisis support: You can contact the KUU-US Crisis Line at 1-800-588-8717 or visit the FNHA’s website for additional support services.