Social Development
What We Do
The role of this team is to assist Musqueam community members to maintain a basic standard of living, and to help develop family strengths and support networks in meaningful, sustaining ways. We achieve this through the following programs in our department:
Family Outreach: Support to individuals, families and program groups who need assistance navigating support and resources for their own wellness and healing, including assistance with transportation to appointments, housing searches, referrals, applications, etc.
Financial Aid: Provide financial support to eligible adults and their dependents living on reserve.
Social Work/Child Welfare Advocacy: Support to work with Provincial authorities (MCFD, Justice, Family Law, etc) that involve or directly impact Musqueam children and families living on or off reserve.
Musqueam Safe House: Offer a 6 bed/staffed temporary placement and support facility for Musqueam children and their families who’s immediate safety is at risk. Wrap around supports available to residents.
Family Grief Therapy: Counselling, art and grief therapy offered to Musqueam community children, adults and families individually, or in a group setting by an Indigenous practitioner.
Cultural Programming: Provide programs embedded in Musqueam culture and history – such as art making, canoe journeys, honouring ceremonies, family mediation/conflict resolution, traditional food and medicine preparation and access, cultural activities, family violence prevention projects, Two Spirit programming, intergenerational connection activities (elders/youth together), and so forth.
Assisted Living: Temporary and limited in-home house cleaning services for eligible elderly or mobility challenged community members living on reserve.
Other Help Provided: Our department also supports job readiness training/supplies, children’s program enhancements, community safety initiatives, child nutrition programs, staff wellness projects, recreation programs, and summer community activities, as annual funding allows.
Department Head: Social Development Manager, Corrina Sparrow