"Sharing knowledge for a brighter future" The Vancouver Native Housing Society welcomes the Aboriginal community to the Skookum Hub - Resource & Learning Centre. This is a funded initiative of the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS). At the Skookum Hub, we provide full employment services, career and educational counseling, computer literacy training, alternative learning experiences and access to activities that promote cultural preservation and personal development. Mission Statement The Skookum Hub - Resource & Learning Centre is a positive learning environment, where staff is committed to enhancing the skills, employability, knowledge and values of our urban Aboriginal community. Mandate   The Skookum Hub is open to anyone of Aboriginal ancestry of any age. We welcome our Aboriginal brothers, sisters and respected elders from all walks of life.

Source of Funding Funding for this initiative is provided by the Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society (ACCESS). For additional information on ACCESS, please visit their website: www.buildingfuturestoday.com. The Skookum Hub is open from Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Why is it called 'Skookum'?   We wanted to be inclusive in welcoming all nations, all of our brothers and sisters. The idea was to come up with something common, catchy and that held a uniquely native quality. The word 'Skookum' is a Chinook Jargon word meaning 'really good' or 'strong'. Depending on your sources, the word originates from the Coast Salish language family and variations of 'Skookum' are found in many of the Northwest Coast and Plateau languages.   The word 'Skookum' and a lot of other Chinook Jargon were used by Aboriginal traders when trading with nations who spoke a different language. The word 'Skookum' has a familiar sound and a long history of use amongst our nations and we find it fitting for this exciting venture between our community members and partners.