Turning 19 is a milestone that often comes with big plans, new opportunities and the excitement of independence. But for young people leaving government care, the transition into adulthood can also bring uncertainty about where they will live and what comes next. A new housing village on Snuneymuxw First Nation territory aims to make that next chapter a little easier, offering young adults a place to call home, a connection to community and the guidance of a mentor as they find their footing. For 23-year-old Aiyana Fraser, having that foundation is already making a difference. “They’ve helped us build our independence and all of those opportunities help lead the way,” Fraser said. “I love it, I’m really grateful,” Developed by Kw’umut Lelum, a First Nations child and family services agency, the four-unit village provides three homes for young adults between the ages of 19 and 26 who are transitioning out of care, while the fourth is for an on-site mentor and site manager. Residents can also access the agency’s services and programming as they work towards independence. Fraser has been connected with Kw’umut Lelum since she was 17. She credits its social workers, Step Up team and youth programs with helping her find direction. Before moving into her new home, she was bouncing between rental accommodations. Now, she can focus on her next chapter. “It’s a great opportunity because we’ve found a stable structure to build our future,” Fraser said. A trained esthetician, Fraser is working towards launching her own business. She says having a place of her own gives her the opportunity to concentrate on making that happen. For Kw’umut Lelum Executive Director William Yoachim, the project reflects a responsibility to young people that shouldn’t end when they reach adulthood. The organization serves nine First Nations on Vancouver Island, providing child and family services, prevention programs and cultural supports. Yoachim says helping young people navigate life beyond care is an important part of that work. “We don’t like the word age out,” Yoachim said. “When they become 19 to 26, we believe they’re still under our watch. We’ve got to do a better job and this is the beginning of doing a better job.” Its location on Snuneymuxw territory gives young people an opportunity to return to their home territory, reconnect with their communities and maintain ties to their culture. “It’s a big load off their back to know that they have always got a home,” Yoachim said. He hopes the approach can eventually be adapted by other First Nations served by Kw’umut Lelum, creating similar opportunities for young people to return to their own communities. Yoachim also sees the development as a potential model for addressing the wider housing shortage, demonstrating how smaller projects can provide a more economical alternative to some conventional housing approaches. The village is named ct ce’, a phrase in the Snuneymuxw Hul’q’umi’num’ language that translates to “our future.” It reflects the importance of investing in young people and the possibilities ahead of them. For Fraser, that future includes growing her business and continuing to build an independent life, knowing she has somewhere to call home. “Having a forever home potentially just kind of makes it all easier to plan everything else,” she said. With files from CTV News’ Andy Garland
