Program Description

Cedar Walk provides a respectful, safe, and culturally relevant environment to address the needs of Indigenous students who have an extended history of non-engagement in school. Cedar Walk provides social, emotional, mental health, physical and spiritual support to students through sports and recreation, arts and crafts, Aboriginal cultural enrichment, field trips, alcohol and drug support, life skills and health information.

Program Location

Administering School:	Vancouver Alternate Secondary School
Program Location:	1043 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. V5V 3C7
Telephone:	(604) 708-9130

Student Profile

Cedar Walk serves Indigenous youth ages 16 - 18 years old who are connected to MCFD and/or Aboriginal delegated agency and youth that have ongoing MCFD and/or Aboriginal delegated agency involvement.  Cedar Walk provides a team approach which includes but is not limited to program staff, Social Worker, Probation Officer, parent/caregiver, mental health worker and/or one-to-one worker to help them to be successful.

Academic Goal

Student progress is managed through the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process which involves the student, the parent/caregiver and program staff. Cedar Walk is a graduation program provided students meet the Ministry requirements for graduation in either the regular Dogwood program or the Adult Dogwood program. Adaptations and modifications are made where necessary to meet the needs of the students. Academic upgrading and job readiness skills are an integral aspect of the Cedar Walk Program. In addition to providing educational programming, the program staff is dedicated to working individually with students to focus on their social, emotional and mental health needs. Transition Plans will be developed to provide transition to a senior alternative program, a vocational program, or employment.

Referral Process

Referrals come from either MCFD or an Aboriginal delegated agency Social Worker or from a Youth Justice Officer.  Referrals are accepted on an on-going basis and reviewed by a MCFD/VSB screening committee to determine eligibility, placement and priority.