Imagine a program with specialized support services and cultural teachings for St贸:l艒 youth, guiding them as they navigate the rough waters of the teenage years through graduation, and beyond.
That鈥檚 exactly what鈥檚 been happening with M茅miyelhtel, the youth mentorship program from St贸:l艒 Service Agency that began in 2012.
More than 100 youth from 30 Indigenous communities across St贸:l艒 territory (S鈥櫭砽h T茅m茅xw) have gone through the program.
The program name M茅miyelhtel means 鈥渉elping others be well,鈥� in Halq鈥檈m茅ylem.
M茅miyelhtel has been working closely with youth 鈥渨ho are facing significant challenges鈥� for a decade, said Youth Services director Breanna Miller, the lead on the project for St贸:l艒 Service Agency.
With the support and involvement from community partners like M茅miyelhtel, Indigenous graduation rates in the Chilliwack School District have soared from 55 per cent to 79 per cent, since 2012.
They may not be wholly responsible for that impressive hike in grad rates, but the program鈥檚 success is definitely a part of it, Miller said.
Squiala Chief David Jimmie has been a strong program supporter and advocate. He鈥檚 also keenly aware of the challenges M茅miyelhtel and the youth have faced over the years.
Participants aged 12 to 19 can get help and individualized attention from 鈥渋ntensive support鈥� and resource workers, as well as respected elders.
鈥淚ndigenous youth face unique struggles given the historical trauma that still exists today, and this program is an opportunity for those youth to learn more about who they are through cultural teachings, while receiving proper supports to gain confidence in working through life challenges,鈥� Jimmie said.
Many of the participants are first and second generation descendants of residential school survivors.
Part of what the youth get is culturally relevant approaches to support their mental health, and land-based healing.
Jimmie said he鈥檚 happy to see solid community support from business leaders like Baker Newby, with their one-for-one funding match commitment up to $50,000 so the program can serve more youth and work towards the goal of turning no one away.
Jimmie also had high praise for the 鈥渃ommitment and dedication鈥� shown by staff and elders in steering the unique program, especially 鈥渢he drive and vision鈥� from Miller.
But a wait list means they can only serve about half of those being referred, Miller said.
鈥淲e鈥檙e often asked about the needs of the program and how people can support the work we are doing,鈥� said Miller. 鈥淭he answer is, there are many ways. We need additional funds to meet the demand.鈥�
A funding drive is therefore a critical part of the launch of a new . They鈥檙e hoping to gain significant support from the community and business sector. The just launched website tells the story of M茅miyelhtel, and makes it easy for those who want to sponsor or .
Motivation to complete the website came from the ongoing interest and inquiries about the program, the desire to share stories about the mentorships and the need to highlight the demands and gaps in service.
See more at or email youth@stolonation.bc.ca
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