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By Elora McCormack

Aboriginal Friendship Centre

New project aims to help Indigenous people with diverse needs

Mar 28, 2026 | 1:05 PM

KAMLOOPS — The B.C. government is launching a new pilot project aimed at helping Indigenous people with developmental disabilities, those with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and autism in Kamloops.

Provincial officials said the project aims to strengthen pathways to cultural, housing and community supports for people who need significant help with day-to-day tasks.

The Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Centre will use funding from Community Living BC (CLBC) to deliver the project.

“Indigenous people with diverse abilities deserve supports that honour their cultures, their strengths and their connections to community,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

“So, we’re investing in approaches led by Indigenous organizations for people to be supported in ways that are close to their community, trusted and grounded in who they are. This pilot can help remove barriers and make it easier for people to access the services and cultural supports that matter most in their lives.”

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The Connections Through Inclusion project will provide hands-on support to Indigenous adults who may be eligible for CLBC services, many of whom have complex needs, unstable housing, and limited support networks.

“Friendship Centres walk beside our people every day, and this support strengthens our ability to reach Indigenous adults with diverse abilities in ways that honour culture and community,” said Cal Albright, Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society executive director.

“This pilot helps us meet people where they are and connect them with services that reflect their values and priorities. We welcome this partnership as another step toward reconciliation and greater support for individuals who we serve.”

B.C. officials said workers will be guided by local teachings, priorities and relationships to help people navigate various services, connect with community and culture, and build stability.

“The program is part of CLBC’s commitment to reconciliation and cultural safety,” said Joanne Mills, CLBC vice-president of quality services and Indigenous relations and a member of Fisher River Cree Nation with ties to Skidegate.

“It offers friendship centres the flexibility to create culturally grounded, innovative approaches that build trust and improve access to services.  Our hope is that this will encourage friendship centres to pursue pre-qualification as vendors, strengthening opportunities for future service delivery partnerships.”

The pilot project is also being rolled out in Smithers, Surrey, Port Alberni, Nanaimo and Prince George.