Foundry

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NEW FOUNDRY COMING TO NANAIMO

Kw’umut Lelum is embarking on an exciting initiative to design and develop Foundry Snuneymuxw. In partnership with Snuneymuxw First Nation and the Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District, we are working closely with service providers, families, caregivers, and youth to bring this vision to life.

What is Foundry?

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Foundry centres provide low-barrier access to integrated services for youth aged 12–24, covering five key areas:

  • Physical and sexual health

  • Mental health

  • Substance use support

  • Peer support

  • Social services

Young people can connect with Foundry in three ways:

  1. Visiting local centres across BC

  2. Exploring online tools and resources at foundrybc.ca

  3. Accessing virtual services through the Foundry BC app

Currently, there are 19 Foundry centres operating in communities across BC, with 16 more in development. In 2024, Snuneymuxw/Nanaimo was selected as one of 12 communities to open a new Foundry centre.

Why is this important?
Foundry represents BC’s innovative approach to Integrated Youth Services (IYS), a model gaining momentum across Canada and globally. IYS is designed to make it easier and safer for young people to access the care they need.

At a Foundry centre, youth can visit one location where a team of professionals—including physicians, nurses, counsellors, peer support workers, and others—work together to address their needs. This collaborative approach eliminates the need for multiple referrals and reduces the frustration of retelling their story in new settings.

A Collaborative Approach
Foundry services are co-designed with service providers, families, caregivers, and youth to ensure they are culturally safe, youth-friendly, and responsive to the unique needs of young people.

We are thrilled to play a role in bringing Foundry Snuneymuxw to our community and look forward to the positive impact this centre will have on the lives of local youth.

Questions? Connect with us at foundryinfo@kwumut.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Foundry Snuneymuxw services will be offered for all youth aged 12-24 years living in Nanaimo and surrounding areas, and their families or caregivers. While we work on developing the new Foundry centre here in Nanaimo, youth and families can access virtual services through the Foundry BC App from anywhere in BC.

  • Foundry Snuneymuxw will be centrally located at 4196 Departure Bay Road in Nanaimo.

  • We aim to begin offering Foundry services by the end of 2026.

  • Yes. All Foundry services are free to youth and families.

  • No. Referrals are not required to access Foundry services.

  • Foundry Snuneymuxw will be one of four Indigenous-led Foundry centres in BC. Foundry East Kootenay, led by Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services Society, have been serving youth and their caretakers in Cranbrook and the surrounding area since May 2024. Foundry Burns Lake, led by Carrier Sekani Family Services, opened their doors in October 2025 and Foundry Vanderhoof, also led by Carrier Sekani, is currently in development.

  • Yes, Foundry Snuneymuxw will be open to all youth aged 12-24 living in Nanaimo and the surrounding area.