Due to Covid-19 the Fraser River Indigenous Society offices open with appointments. We are modifying our programs during these times
FRASER RIVER
INDIGENOUS SOCIETY
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HOUSING SUPPORT
INDIGENOUS APPROACH TO HOUSING
FRIS operates a Housing support program for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program emphasizes the importance of housing as a first need to meet, and provides a wealth of supports to promote long term stability and success after that.
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HOUSING PLACEMENT & HOUSING LOSS PREVENTION
Persons with Indigenous heritage are more likely to be homeless than others, and regularly experience stigma, a feeling of being disconnected from their communities and heritage, and the results of inter-generational trauma from decades of negative residential school experiences. This makes returning to housing and life stability exceptionally difficult and requires a person-centered, culturally sensitive approach. FRIS’s Support Workers specializes in this approach.
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In addition to our own clients, the program also provides support to other programs in the community who need help getting individuals with First Nations, Métis or Inuit heritage in touch with cultural supports.
To connect with this program contact our Support Workers: Monday- Friday only, 9am to 4pm
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Lizette: 604-313-4907
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this is not a crisis line; please call KUU-US Crisis Line toll-free at 1-800-588-8717.
LANDLORDS
If you have a space to rent in the Ridge Meadows or Langley areas, FRIS’s Housing First program is a great way to find tenants. In addition to skipping the hassle of posting vacancies, landlords of the program also benefit from having dedicated support for them and their tenants to ensure their rent is paid on time, and the unit is kept safe and in good condition.
FRIS operates a Housing Support Program for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This program emphasizes the importance of housing as a first need to meet and provides a wealth of supports to promote a continuum of stability and success.
We appreciate your willingness to support your community and provide someone who has experienced homelessness and other adversities a ‘fresh start’ to find and create a safe and stable place to call home. We want to give both the landlords and the tenants the best chance for success in this tenancy relationship.
Contact our Support Workers for more information on how you can help give back to the community and rent your space at the same time.
CIRCLE HOME
HOUSING SUPPORT STAFF
lizette
Peters
Housing Support Manager​
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Lizette is from the Douglas First Nation, located at the head of Harrison Lake, B.C. and apart of the Stl’atl’imx Nation. She brings her love of indigenous culture, heritage, and shared teachings from her elders and friends. Her background includes graduation as a Tribal Police officer and completing advanced training to become an Instructor/Trainer in defensive tactics. Shew was a Basic Standards Trainer for professional and private security individuals. In this capacity, she was able to work with indigenous people from as far as Davis Inlet, Labrador, to B.C. She devotedly cares for others, and welcomes self improvement, growth, in her own spirituality, health and wellness. In her current role as a Housing Support Worker, she enjoys making a positive difference, working to prevent homelessness.
cheri
royal
Housing Support Worker
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Oki, my name is Cheri Royal. I am from Siksika Nation (Blackfoot). The Alberta wind blew me this way in 2017. The ocean, the mountains, and the people are what keep me here. I’ve always had a passion for helping others. That lead me into the field of psychology, from which I earned a degree through the University of Montana. My education has brought me on many journeys. Today, I am excited to be on this journey with FRIS. Fun Fact: I have a crazy sense of humour! I’m not the one you want to sit beside at a funeral or in court.
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Stephen Schumacher
Housing Support Worker
He has completed his Family Community Counselling Diploma at the Native Education College, Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Degree with the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) and continued with a Certificate with the Chemical Addictions program (CHAD) at NVIT.
In his career, he had worked as an ABI (Acquired Brian Injury) Community Support Worker, Mental Health Transition Worker, and Temporary Housing Program Coordinator/Housing Outreach Worker.    
Some of his hobbies includes, chess, playing tennis, bike riding, and walking.   
Housing Support Worker
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I am originally from Alaska. I attained degrees in Laboratory Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Social Psychology. I am a dual citizen of Canada and the USA. I am also Status through Lax KwLaams (Port Simpson). I was previous working at Metis Family Services, then Township of Langley and Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society. I look forward to working and getting to know the participants and agencies in Ridge Meadows as all my work so far has been in Langley or Surrey. FUN FACT: I am a single mom of 7 children, I won the Canada 150 award in 2017 for my volunteer work with the Indigenous homeless populations and I won a New Car from Basant Motors (Surrey) in their “Cars for Compassion” in 2019.
