Social enterprise at Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre

Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre is uniquely situated in the midst of the region known as the Fraser Valley, centrally located in the community of Surrey, British Columbia. Surrey is an ideal location to hold events or functions targeted to people and organizations residing in Fraser Valley communities.

We rely on organizations to choose us when they need someone capable to cater and hold events, or to provide culturally related goods and services.  To sustain and compliment the human services offered here at Kla-how-eya, we have embarked on a journey to create our special and unique brand of social enterprise. We have a dedicated team of volunteers and staff anxious to meet your food service, conference and cultural needs.

What is social enterprise?

Social enterprises are increasingly recognized as part of a crucial, third sector, distinguishing them from the public and private sectors.

"Social Enterprises are competitive businesses, owned and trading for a social purpose. They seek to succeed as businesses by establishing a market share and making a profit. Social Enterprises combine the need to be successful businesses with social aims. They emphasize the long-term benefits for employees, consumers and the community."

Social enterprise at Kla-How-Eya:

• Culinary Arts Program, a catering department where professional staff, volunteers and students are preparing and serving food to a wide array of clients with the profits coming back to support the Culinary Arts department. Within the department we provide job based skills training, in house and external catering capabilities and have plans for a limited 50-seat restaurant operation. In the near future, Kla-how-eya will be branding and making additional products available to consumers by developing pre-packaged specialty food items from the culinary arts department and creating and marketing corporate style gift baskets. Contact: Trish Innes, Culinary Arts Administrative Assistant for more details.

• Within the Health and Wellness Department are the capacities to deliver cultural sensitivity awareness training, participate in research initiatives, and to provide culturally based team building retreats. Contact: Lix Lopez, Health and Wellness Manager for more details.

• Elder’s Craft Den is the newest addition of social enterprise to Kla-how-eya. The craft store is an opportunity for anyone to display and market their crafts and goods to the many visitors to the Centre. In addition to in house retail capacities, Kla-how-eya has been designing and selling traditional style tee pees. Contact: Dave McEwen, Elder Representative for more details.
  

• Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre has demonstrated capacities towards operating a conference style multi purpose room available for rent to community groups needing a place to gather, present and educate. Contact: Jolene Warren, Office Coordinator for more details.