Healing Through
Culture, Community
& Connection.

Sláxin Ləlum ("Medicine House") is a welcoming space where Indigenous individuals, families, and communities gather in relationship, rooted in ancestral values and holistic support.

Program Calendar START INTAKE

our foundation

Rooted in Ancestral Teachings

On October 8, 2024, MVISS received a new name, in ceremony, from Musqueam Elder Shane Point. Slaxin Lelum, meaning “Medicine House” in the Hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Hunquminum) language spoken by Coast Salish peoples in British Columbia.

Slaxin Lelum was established as a place where Indigenous individuals, families, and communities can gather in relationship with one another, with culture, and with the teachings and traditions that have guided Indigenous peoples for generations.

Rooted in ancestral values and guided by Indigenous knowledge, the Medicine House brings together cultural teachings, wellness programs, community partnerships, and holistic supports that honour the strengths, experiences, and resilience of Indigenous peoples. Through this work, we foster belonging, strengthen community, and create opportunities for healing.

Our Mission

To offer culturally grounded, trauma-informed support that fosters healing, connection, and holistic wellbeing.

Our Vision

A healthy, thriving urban Indigenous community rooted in ancestral values, cultural knowledge, and mutual celebration.

Our Philosophy

We combine Indigenous and trauma-informed practices to address the root causes of mental health and substance use challenges.

The work of the medicine house is guided by our cultural identity

We honour each person's story, respect human dignity, and recognize that every experience is unique.  We strive to meet people where they are, support one another, and build authentic relationships that strengthen community and collective wellness.

Through Indigenous teachings, harm reduction practices, education, ceremony, and community partnerships, we create opportunities for healing that honour culture, identity, and belonging.

Everything we do is rooted in:

Respect

 Honouring human dignity, lived experiences, and each person's unique path.

Community

 Building authentic relationships that foster unity, belonging, and support.

Compassion

Meeting people where they are with empathy, kindness, and respect.

Culture

Honouring ancestral Indigenous teachings and practices, ceremonies, and culturally grounded programs.

Slaxin Lelum Medicine House acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples, including the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

Intake Process

Your journey begins here

Whether you're looking for support for yourself, your family, or someone you care about, our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you access the programs and services that best meet your needs.

Simple, confidential, and welcoming steps to access support.

01

Reach Out

Connect with our team to learn more about the supports and services available.

02

Connect With Us

We'll take the time to understand your needs and help guide you toward the programs, resources, or services that are right for you.

03

Begin Your Journey

Access culturally grounded supports in a welcoming environment where healing, respect, and community come together.

Ready to take the first step?

Start the Intake Process

Programs & Services

Rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing.
Supports for Healing, Wellness & Community

At Slaxin Lelum, we provide culturally based, trauma-informed supports that honour Indigenous ways of being while creating safe, welcoming spaces for healing, connection, and belonging.

Whether you’re seeking individual support, participating in group healing, reconnecting with culture, or looking for community, our programs are designed to support Indigenous individuals, families, and communities—including our Two-Spirit (2S) and LGBTQ+ relatives—with respect, compassion, and dignity.

View our full calendar

One-on-One Support

Individual Counselling

Our Wellness Counsellors provide one-on-one support for community members navigating trauma, substance use, grief, loss, and other life challenges.

Using culturally based, trauma-informed practices, we create a safe and welcoming environment where individuals—including our Two-Spirit (2S) and LGBTQ+ relatives—can access support that honours their experiences, strengths, and personal journey.

Community Healing

Facilitated Group Healing

Healing is strengthened through connection, shared experiences, and community.

Throughout the year, Slaxin Lelum offers a variety of facilitated group healing programs designed to support wellness, recovery, and personal growth in culturally safe and welcoming spaces.

Programs may include:

Recovery Renewal
Grief & Wellness
Art Therapy Group
Wellbriety
Women’s Wellbriety
Non Violent Communications
The Four Agreements

Eligibility

Our programs and services are free of charge to community members who meet the following criteria:

Clients who are 18 years of age or older,
Self-identified Indigenous people who reside in the Vancouver Coastal Health Region,
Non-Indigenous family members of Indigenous clients.

CORE
PROGRAMS

A rhythm of community

View our full calendar

Mondays

11:30 - 13:30 HRS

Women’s Wellbriety

Women's Wellbriety shares the same focus as our Wellbriety program — healing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of recovery through the Medicine Wheel and strong community support — held in a space just for women. It's a chance to connect with other women in a culturally safe setting, share teachings, and support one another through recovery and healing from historical trauma.  Drop-in — no intake or registration required. Lunch is included.

Thrusdays

18:00 - 19:30 HRS

Wellbriety

Wellbriety focuses on healing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of an individual. Key elements include the Medicine Wheel, and strong community support, while emphasizing cultural identity to help community members overcome substance abuse and heal from historical trauma. Drop-in, no intake or registration required.

Fridays

17:30 - 19:30 HRS

Two Spirit Drum Group

A weekly drop-in drumming circle for Two-Spirit (2S) individuals and allies. Open to all experience levels, this gathering celebrates culture, connection, and community through drumming and shared experience. Extra drums are available for participants.

Other
Workshops

Wellness, education, and personal growth.

View our full calendar

01

TUESDAYS | NOV 10 - DEC 15 | 9:30 AM

The Four Agreements (7-week program)

A weekly drop-in drumming circle for Two-Spirit (2S) individuals and allies. Open to all experience levels, this gathering celebrates culture, connection, and community through drumming and shared experience. Extra drums are available for participants.

  * For future semesters, please call us to sign up for the waitlist.

02

TBD | See program calendar

Non-Violent Communication TBD

Learn to connect and understand one another, to mindfully listen, to recognize that feelings are driven by needs, and to give with compassion and joy.

03

TBD | See program calendar

Grief & Wellness (4-day program)

This program was established to support Urban Indigenous Community Members through cultural teachings that explore grief and loss by introducing cultural skills and healthy coping strategies grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and doing. The program also explores the pathways of the grief and loss journey.

04

TBD | See program calendar

Recovery Renewal TBD

Join us for our Open House Drop-In! Everyone is welcome — community members, clients, partner organizations and anyone interested in counselling. Learn about our programs and counselling services, meet our team, and enjoy a light lunch.

05

TBD | See program calendar

Art Therapy (8-week program)

The purpose of this 8-week in-person group program is to offer indigenized, trauma-informed, and resource-based art therapy to Indigenous clients at Slaxin Lelum, providing a culturally safe weekly space that supports healing, wellness, and self-expression.

06

(Date to be announced) | 11:30 A.M.

Open House

Join us for our Open House Drop-In! Everyone is welcome — community members, clients, partner organizations and anyone interested in counselling. Learn about our programs and counselling services, meet our team, and enjoy a light lunch.

07

(Date to be announced) | 11:30 A.M.

Cultural Teachings

Join us for our Cultural Teaching Open House! An Elder will share teachings on traditional and contemporary healing, cultural protocols, and lead a smudging ceremony. Learn about our organization and enjoy a light lunch. Check our digital calendar for updates and the Elder for the day.

Join our team

Help Build Stronger Communities

The work we do is made possible by people who are passionate about creating positive change within Indigenous communities.

If you’re committed to culturally grounded care, community wellness, and making a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore current opportunities to join our team and help us continue building healthier, stronger communities together.

Wellness Counsellor

Full-time · Permanent

Provide culturally based, trauma-informed one-on-one counselling for community members.

Learn more

Cultural Programs Lead

Full-time · Permanent

Share teachings, protocols and ceremony in support of our weekly and seasonal programs.

Learn more

Healing Through
Culture, Community
& Connection.