Nourishing Through Indigenous Dinner Nights
At Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House we are grateful to continue our longstanding partnership with Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society (VAHS). Through this partnership, we are lucky to work with their Family Support Worker – Indigenous Early Years to provide individual support and cultural programs and activities to Indigenous community members and families in the Mount Pleasant community and East Vancouver. One of the programs we collaborate on is Indigenous Monday Night Dinner, which offers community kitchen opportunities, a shared meal, and cultural activities based on participant ideas. This program strives to be as responsive, and participant-led as much as possible.
This past year, we worked with over 60 families to connect to cultural facilities led by Indigenous knowledge holders such as drum making, cedar weaving and medicine gathering. In honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day, we also held an Orange Shirt making workshop led by an Indigenous artist who created unique prints for families.
Lastly, a special highlight for Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House was being able to support VAHS’s first Father’s Day Pow Wow through a community feast and providing space for regalia making opportunities. In collaboration with Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, we prepared over 3000 meals consisting of elk stew, bannock, sandwiches and salad. This was all volunteer-driven and we engaged over 30 volunteers and community members for the preparation and serving of this feast. It was an honour to be guided by VAHS and to work alongside Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House.
Tania Mitchell, a long-time participant, shared, “I’ve had the pleasure of being involved with Mount Pleasant Neighborhood House for over 10 years, ever since my youngest was a toddler. It has been a wonderful experience, and I’m so grateful for everything the community has offered. The Indigenous Monday Night Dinners have been a highlight for me. These gatherings provided a chance to socialize with other families, enjoy a delicious meal that saved both time and money. It was always a welcoming atmosphere, filled with activities for all ages, and I truly looked forward to these moments.”
She added, “Through these programs, I’ve not only grown a strong network of friends but also seen my children benefit greatly. They’ve had the opportunity to socialize and develop important life skills. The Farmers' Market coupons were a huge help in ensuring my children had access to fresh fruits and vegetables—something they absolutely loved. The outdoor activities during the summer were also a lot of fun, giving my family the chance to enjoy the sunshine while staying active.”
While the Monday family dinners are now biweekly, Tania expressed her gratitude. “I’m still grateful we have the opportunity to come together every two weeks. The Mount Pleasant staff are always so kind, welcoming and supportive. I truly appreciate everything the Neighborhood House has provided for my family, and I feel fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful community.”
Support neighbourhood house food justice programs, like Mount Pleasant’s Indigenous Monday Night Dinner, and give the gift of nourishment to your neighbourhood this holiday season anhbc.org/donate
