Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre (NYHWC)
The Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre (NYHWC) is a place where self-identified Indigenous youth can access primary care services, specialist services, Elders, traditional healers, and a supportive team. Our goal is to create a space where youth feel comfortable, cared for, and able to explore how best to support their personal health and wellness.
Our work is guided by the medicine wheel, which teaches us that balance in mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health is essential for living well. The medicine wheel reminds us that each part of our being is connected, and that caring for the whole self is the path to strength and balance.
At the NYHWC, youth can connect with a wide range of supports — blending Western medicine with Indigenous medicine and teachings. Whether you’re meeting with a doctor, a nurse practitioner, or a traditional healer, you’ll find care that honours both your immediate health needs and your cultural identity.
In addition to clinical care, the Centre hosts educational and cultural workshops. These may include conversations about how to improve physical health, hands-on learning about traditional medicines, or group sessions focused on wellness and cultural teachings.
The NYHWC is open to self-identified Indigenous youth ages 11 to 30, and every service is designed to meet you where you’re at, supporting your own personal goals toward balance and wellness.
How to Connect with Us
Accessing the clinic is simple:
Primary Care & Specialists
Complete our intake form to be connected to doctors, nurse practitioners, or other medical providers.
Elders & Traditional Healers
No forms are needed. Just contact our front desk team. How to Find Us: NYHWC is located right next door to UNYA in1640 E Hastings St, Vancouver BC
By phone or text:
778.837.5083
By email: [email protected]
REGISTER HERE
Knowing Where to Go for Care
Knowing where to go can help you get the right care faster.
Go to primary care (Native Youth Wellness Centre, Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner) for regular checkups, ongoing health needs, long-term concerns, and things that aren’t urgent—especially if you have a provider who knows you and your health history.
Go to urgent care if something needs attention the same day but isn’t an emergency, and you can’t see your regular doctor or nurse practitioner.
Go to the emergency room only for serious or life-threatening situations that need immediate care.
Not Sure What to Do?
If you’re unsure where to go, you can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. They can help you decide what kind of care you need and where to get it.
“Our work is guided by the medicine wheel, which teaches us that balance in mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical health is essential for living well ”.
Meet the Native Youth Health & Wellness Centre team — from left to right:
Alex Chessman, Navigator & Clinic Manager
Sarah Jane Damiani, Nurse Practitioner
Sarah Cochrane, Nurse Practitioner
& Yolli, Clinic Mascot
