Home > Programs > Youth
Youth Program
About the Program
Our Youth Program at the Nawican Friendship Centre creates safe, supportive, and empowering spaces where young people aged 13-29 can explore their identity, develop their potential, and build meaningful connections. We believe that youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders today, with important voices, ideas, and contributions to make right now. Our program takes a youth-centered approach that honors Indigenous cultures while welcoming all young people in our community. If you’re looking for a place to hang out after school; wanting to develop new skills, connect with your culture, and find mentorship, or looking to get involved in leadership opportunities, this program offers activities and support tailored to your interests and goals in an environment where you can be yourself and thrive.
How to Get in Touch
Location:
10200 17 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4C2
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Contact:
Ginger Dumais
Email Address:
g.dumais@nawican.ca / nbycc@nawican.ca
Phone Number:
Youth Services
After-School Drop-In & Safe Space
A welcoming space for youth to connect, relax, and feel supported:
- Youth drop-in
- Snacks and activities
- Games and hangout time
- A safe place after school
- Staff who listen and support
- Space to relax and be yourself
- Quiet time for homework or reading
- Welcoming support for new participants
- Positive peer connection and friendship
Mentorship & Youth Support
Supportive relationships that help youth feel heard, encouraged, and connected:
- One-on-one check-ins
- Trusted adult mentorship
- Support making positive choices
- Encouragement through challenges
- Help building confidence and self-worth
- Help finding healthy routines and boundaries
- Support for youth navigating change or stress
- Referrals to youth-friendly community services
Culture & Identity
Culturally grounded programming that helps youth explore identity, belonging, and community:
- Elder visits
- Cultural teachings
- Storytelling circles
- Traditional arts and crafts
- Indigenous language activities
- Land-based learning opportunities
- Support exploring cultural identity
- Connection to ceremony when available
- Pride in Indigenous culture and community
- Intergenerational learning with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Arts, Recreation & Creativity
Fun, active, and creative opportunities based on youth interests:
- Sports
- Open gym time
- Music activities
- Youth art projects
- Games and recreation
- Crafts and creative projects
- Shared meals and snack-making
- Outdoor activities and movement
- Creative workshops based on youth interests
Youth Leadership & Voice
Opportunities for youth to share ideas, shape programming, and take part in community life:
- Youth-led ideas
- Volunteer projects
- Youth advisory input
- Leadership activities
- Community service opportunities
- Planning events with staff support
- Opportunities to share youth perspectives
- Support speaking up in safe and respectful ways
- Projects that build pride, responsibility, and belonging
Homework & School Connection
School-focused support that helps youth stay engaged and encouraged:
- Homework help
- Reading support
- Quiet study space
- School project help
- Back-to-school support
- Encouragement with attendance
- Help connecting with school resources
- Support preparing for school meetings
- Referrals to tutoring or learning supports
- Caregiver communication around school needs
Healthy Relationships & Wellness
Activities and conversations that support emotional wellness, safety, and positive relationships:
- Peer support
- Wellness check-ins
- Bullying-prevention support
- Healthy friendship activities
- Consent, boundaries, and respect
- Emotional wellness conversations
- Help finding safe adults and trusted supports
- Support connecting to counselling when needed
- Activities that build confidence, belonging, and resilience
Community Connection & Belonging
Youth-centered activities that help young people build connection, belonging, and community pride:
- Youth outings
- Community meals
- Seasonal events
- Group celebrations
- Youth cultural events
- Family-friendly youth events
- Connection to local recreation
- Opportunities to meet new people safely
- Positive activities during school breaks
- Youth participation in community events
Frequently Asked Questions
The Youth Program welcomes young people who are looking for a safe, supportive place to connect, take part in activities, and build positive relationships. Families and caregivers can contact Nawican to confirm current age ranges, schedules, and program availability.
No. Nawican Friendship Centre provides culturally grounded programming with a focus on Indigenous youth, families, and community, while welcoming youth from all backgrounds.
Youth programming may include drop-in activities, games, arts and crafts, recreation, cultural teachings, Elder visits, homework support, group discussions, community outings, and seasonal events.
Yes. The program is designed to be welcoming, respectful, and youth-centered. Staff work to create a space where youth can feel supported, included, and able to be themselves.
Yes. The Youth Program may offer after-school drop-in time, activities, snacks, homework space, and opportunities to connect with staff and peers. Families should contact Nawican for the current program schedule.
Some activities may be drop-in, while others may require registration because of space, supplies, transportation, or supervision needs. Contact Nawican before attending to confirm what is currently available.
Yes. Youth can access homework support, quiet study space, encouragement with school engagement, and help connecting with school or community learning resources when needed.
Job search support is not part of the Youth Program. Youth or young adults looking for resume help, employment readiness, workplace skills, or training support can connect with Nawican’s Employment, Life Skills & Training program.
Yes. The Youth Program may include cultural teachings, traditional arts and crafts, storytelling, land-based learning, Elder involvement, and opportunities for youth to strengthen cultural identity and belonging.
Yes. Parents, caregivers, grandparents, and kinship caregivers are welcome to contact Nawican to ask about youth programming, schedules, registration, support options, and referrals.
Youth programming is generally offered free of charge. Some special events or activities may have limited space or require advance registration.
Families, caregivers, and youth can contact Nawican Friendship Centre directly by phone, email, or in person to ask about current Youth Program activities and how to get involved.