Kílala Lelum
Urban Indigenous Health and Healing Cooperative
A health centre which works to address all aspects of health and wellbeing through Elder-led services.
Indigenous Elders with physicians and allied health professionals provide physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care to the community in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
Program Highlights
Primary Care Clinic
Offering comprehensive and culturally informed healthcare services, and providing health equity for people on the DTES. Focussing on HIV management, Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT), and other chronic conditions such as COPD, Diabetes, and Hepatitis C.
Indigenous Elders offer one-on-one counseling regarding any physical, emotional, mental or spiritual concerns their members experience. Social workers and Community Liaison Workers provide case management support: including daily medication outreach, housing support, and other social support.
Case Management
Nurses, Social Workers and Community Liaison workers provide daily support and outreach to members most at risk of “falling through the cracks” in the health system.
Food & Nutrition Service
Food instability is a challenge in the DTES, especially for the members that are HIV positive. Supported by our Community Health Worker peers, the centre offers daily breakfast, snacks, and a hot lunch for members.
Cultural Field Trips
Cooperative and comprehensive range of culturally-informed services delivered to members on Vancouer’s Downtown Eastside.
Cultural Programming
Relationship-based care services that honour physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. Elders and Knowledge-Keepers support the development of a positive identity and a connection to Indigenous teachings, medicines, songs, and culture through a space that is non-judgmental and grounded in compassion.
Education & Training
Kílala Lelum is a training site for the family practice residents within UBC’s Aboriginal Family Practice Residency program.