Who We Serve

Indigenous Artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Survivors, and the Houseless

Most of our First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists identify as Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Indian Residential School Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQ+ relatives and friends, Indigenous Human Trafficking Survivors, Children's Aid Survivors, 60's Scoop Survivors, Starlight Tour Survivors, Two-Spirit, unemployed, under-employed, single parents, and the houseless.

ANDPVA’s programs enable Indigenous peoples to see and hear their stories, songs, languages, and cultures reflected, thereby relieving the feeling of being alone. The violence and racism of European contact disrupted strong, stable Indigenous communities. AEKS help participants recognize their inner strength and resilience. AEKS focus on the hopes for their future and not as being defined by their trauma.

ANDPVA gives voices to the voiceless and creates safe spaces for Indian Residential School Survivors to tell their stories. We build community with the houseless by bringing art to the parks through the Writers Room performances, workshops, and feasts.

Program Applicants

Indigenous Artists, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Survivors are invited to apply to our programs.

We know Indigenous identity is complex and defined in many ways.

We believe in an inclusive approach to Indigenous identity, and that things like past and ongoing colonial policies and racism have contributed to many Indigenous peoples, communities, and groups being exclusively targeted or outright excluded by various programs.

We recognize that not everyone is “registered” with their respective Indigenous governance organization. We work to support innovation by and for any Indigenous person, no matter their gender, sexuality, experiences, or gifts, while respecting the variety of ways an Indigenous community might be identified.

Successful applicants to ANDPVA’s programs and opportunities will be asked to demonstrate their connections to Indigenous identity and community.

This could include a copy of your “registration” and/or a letter of support from your governance organization (e.g., band office) and/or a letter of nomination from an Indigenous community organization or group, and/or an explanation of your connection.