Programming
Oasis activities are about a journey to self; a processes of getting to know oneself and one’s own story, finding meaning in that and making healthier choices in response to the newfound strength from within.
our programming
Integrated recovery and lasting healing for Indigenous people affected by inter-generational trauma.
Overview
Our primary program, Integrated Recovery and Holistic Wellness, is an Indigenous program created to support the spiritual health of vulnerable Indigenous adults who suffer from a variety of challenges, including addictions, mental health, homelessness, and other multi-generational impacts of colonialism. This program is based on the Medicine Wheel which symbolizes the inter-dependency and inter-connectedness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual realms of our being. The Society strongly believes that balance is a critical aspect of wellness, and our program activities represent a circular path of nourishment to assist the individual and the community in growth.
Family Reunification
The family reunification program seeks to reunite participants to their original community, land, and/or to the ones that loved them first. Program staff work with participants who are interested in rediscovering these connections or repairing fractured connections. This program can involve researching, coordinating, and supporting meeting opportunities between family members, Elders, Chiefs, etc.
Oasis Connects
Provides companions to Indigenous persons in long-term care facilities, advocates to Indigenous person in hospital, and cultural workshops to local schools and organizations.
Share in Sustenance
Gatherings (weekly dinners, quarterly lunch distribution, community celebrations, summer fair, space for Elders) oriented around traditional Indigenous foods. We partner with local Indigenous food providers and cooks to provide as much traditional foods as possible. These gatherings involve participants in set-up, preparation, and clean-up to support life skills development.
Nurture in Nature
Half and full-day retreats for participants in nature to provide opportunities to connect to the land and cultural practices through outings to the local Coast Salish Nations, as well as locations as far as Tofino and Ucluelet in the Nuu-chah-nulth territories.
Street Culture
This program brings aspects of Indigenous culture (food, arts, dance) and healing to urban Indigenous persons who are experiencing homelessness and/or are housed in precarious or temporary housing. The key purpose of this program is to meet participants where they are and reduce barriers to access.
Weaving Wellness
Weekly workshops that involve crafting, beading, drum making, ribbon skirt making, sharing of traditional medicines (cedar, mountain safe, buffalo sage, sweet grass, lavender, mint, eagle feathers, etc.) and medicine bag making, sharing stories about cultural backgrounds and teachings, etc. We make a point to ensure all these workshops are facilitated or co-facilitated by members of local First Nations.
Want to Learn More About Oasis Programming?
Download our printable brochure, which has more information on our programming.