Since 1963, the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre Society (VAFCS) has been meeting the needs of aboriginal people making a transition to the urban Vancouver community.
The Friendship Centre, a charitable organization provides programs in health, welfare, social services, human rights, culture, education, recreation and equality for all genders of aboriginal people of all age groups. The Friendship Centre emphasizes the philosophies and values of varied aboriginal cultures and traditions. With over 50 years of providing essential services to the urban aboriginal community, the VAFCS has helped families, youth, adults, elders and children maintain their aboriginal cultural ties and values.
The VAFCS has also helped aboriginal people access education, housing needs and support for families. The Friendship Centre strives to provide holistic and cultural services to all of its community members.
The VAFCS is dedicated to the following mission statement:
"To provide practical tools for accomplishing our visionary ends through socio economic programs and services that empowers self reliance; responsibility; success and prosperity, for all urban Aboriginal individuals, family and community."