Indigenous Early Years

11/17/2025

Aniin! (hello) everyone. ❤️
Tomorrow! Tuesday November 18th from 11:30am to 1:30pm.
Child Development Drop-In Group.
At the Phil Bouvier Family Centre, 717 Princess Avenue in Vancouver.

Welcoming you to come spend some time with the Aboriginal Infant Development Team and to have some fun with your kiddoes!

We will be sharing infant/child development information, doing some drumming and singing, and a craft.

Bus tickets, door prizes and lunch provided.

To register or know more please contact AIDP workers:
Rose McDonald at 778-700-9896 or
Trevor Epp at 604-720-7195.

Looking forward to seeing you! 😊

11/07/2025

Mino gigizheb (good morning in Anishinaabe) everyone!

We hope you all are well. ❤️

Sending a reminder about our next AIDP (Aboriginal Infant Development Program) drop-in group on Tuesday, November 18th. From 11:30am to 1:30pm.

An interactive group where you can do some drumming and singing, learn some infant/child development information, share a meal and have some fun!

At the Phil Bouvier Family Center, 717 Princess Street, Vancouver.

To register, please call AIDP workers:
Rose McDonald: 778-700-9896 or
Trevor Epp: 604-720-7195

And one question for everyone.

What teachings/activities/child development practices/cultural practices/sacred items etc. would you be interested in learning/making?

10/31/2025

Happy Halloween from IEY 🧡

10/30/2025

Part 2 live IEY 🧡

10/30/2025

10/30/2025

Come on down for the annual IEY Halloween party on until 2:00!

10/29/2025

Kids up front has sent more awesome tickets for you and your children to attend!

To request tickets, Please email Danielle at admin.iey@vahs.life

Let her know your name and how many tickets you need

Thank you enjoy. Have a good weekend.

10/29/2025

Knowledge keeper Ruby Harry & Tracy enjoyed every minute of these two sessions- seamless throw blanket making and 101 Fried bread making 🥰

More groups to come keep an eye out on our page!

10/21/2025

More Open House pictures ♥️

10/21/2025

Founding Executive Director…we will miss him. Proud of the legacy he leaves behind. Condolences to his family…

✨ Honouring Lou Demerais ✨

Founding Executive Director, Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society

The Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society mourns the loss of Lou Demerais, who passed away on October 17, 2025.

Lou’s vision and leadership were instrumental in the creation of VAHS in 1991. At a time when culturally safe and accessible health care for Indigenous people in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside was nearly nonexistent, Lou helped establish a community-driven space rooted in dignity, respect, and holistic healing.

Over nearly three decades of leadership, Lou guided VAHS through tremendous growth — from an after-hours medical clinic to a multi-disciplinary health organization offering medical, dental, counselling, early years, and cultural wellness programs. His tireless advocacy and compassion for Indigenous families helped countless community members access the care and support they deserved.

“Lou’s vision shaped who we are as an organization. His legacy of compassion, culture, and commitment to community continues to guide our work. We thank him for paving the way for so many of us to walk this good path together.”
— Carrie Humchitt, Executive Director, VAHS

Though Lou wished for no formal service, VAHS will continue to honour his memory through our daily work and commitment to community wellbeing.

May his spirit rest in peace and continue to guide us on this journey of healing and hope.

10/20/2025

Aniin (good morning), everyone.

We are letting you know about our Aboriginal Infant Development drop-in group dates.

October 28th from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

November 18th and 25th, from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

December 9th, from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

This drop-in group is for families with children aged 0-6.

We will provide a craft/activity, cultural teachings, child development information, door prizes and meal.
And we will have Elder Ruby Harry for Elder support.❤️

Please come and join with your kiddoes, to learn, to connect
and to have some fun!😀

At the Phil Bouvier Family Centre, 717 Princess Avenue, Vancouver.

For registration, please contact AIDP Workers:
Rose McDonald - 778 700 9896
Trevor Epp - 604 720 7195

Chi miigwetch! (Thank you)