Being a young person in today’s world isn’t easy. Being a parent or caregiver isn’t either. At NHSS, we believe youth and families deserve consistent, culturally grounded support.
Care That Starts Early and Stays Consistent
NHSS takes a long-view approach to youth and family care. We know that early support can prevent larger challenges down the road. Whether it’s through mobile visits, mental wellness programs, or land-based learning, our work is grounded in relationship, not quick fixes.
Our current efforts include:
- Youth, child, and adult counselling through mental health services
- Traditional wellness programming that includes youth voice and leadership
- Support that utilizes the land and other safe spaces
- Coordination with Elders and cultural mentors to support intergenerational learning
We also support families after crisis events, offering check-ins, grief support, and access to services that help rebuild trust and stability.
A Safe Place to Talk, Feel, and Heal
Young people often face mental health challenges that go unspoken or unseen. At NHSS, we offer culturally safe, trauma-informed supports that create space for honesty, healing, and hope, including:
Youth-focused counselling for anxiety, grief, stress, and identity.
Access to traditional healing and ceremony for emotional grounding.
Outreach services to check in with youth outside of formal settings.
Safety planning and support in response to drug poisonings, violence, or mental health crises.
We know it takes time to build trust. That’s why we show up consistently and not just in moments of crisis, but in between, too.
Supporting Families Without Judgement
Parenting and caregiving are deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming. NHSS offers judgement-free support to parents, guardians, and families who are trying to do right by their children while navigating health, housing, or financial stress.
Contact UsYouth-focused counselling for anxiety, grief, stress, and identity.
While not formalized in one department, our services often include:
- Home visits from care workers or nurses
- Elder-guided family wellness activities
- Navigation help for accessing benefits or health services
When families are strong, children thrive. And we’re here to support both.
Culture Isn’t an Add-On - It’s the Heart of the Work
A lot of youth support programs are built somewhere else and dropped into communities. NHSS does the opposite. Our work is shaped by the voices of young people, families, and Elders who live in the Nation and know what’s needed most.
We continue to invest in:
- Youth mentorship through land-based activities and cultural camps
- Opportunities for youth to learn traditional teachings and contribute to programs
- Elders’ involvement in storytelling, language work, and guidance
- Planning for an Elders Council and youth-inclusive program design moving forward
We don’t treat culture as decoration. It’s the foundation.
We’re Not Leaving Anyone Behind
The needs of youth and families are complex, and growing. At NHSS, we’re committed to growing with them. That means more staff, more outreach, and more flexibility. It also means making sure care feels personal, trustworthy, and rooted in the values of the Nlaka’pamux people. If you’re a youth, a parent, or a family looking for support, you’re not alone. We’re already on the path with you.