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Indigenous-led. Community-rooted.

A safer community
begins with belonging.

Block Party Sundays create a safe, dignified place to share food and music, remember those we have lost, reconnect and be reminded: you are cared for, you belong and you matter.

Help fund the next SundayVolunteer with us →
49,758meals served
43Block Party Sundays
Every monthwe come back

What makes Nestara different

We believe better is possible for the Downtown Eastside.

Nestara is Indigenous-led and community-rooted, with a majority-Indigenous leadership team committed to cultural safety, reconciliation and holistic healing.

We see people as whole human beings—not problems to manage. Our gatherings make room for dignity, culture, joy, remembrance and the relationships that help healing begin.

We listen, show up consistently and connect people with treatment resources, family and further support when they are ready.

This relationship-based approach also strengthens public safety. Welcoming, well-supported shared spaces benefit community members, neighbouring residents, local businesses, workers and visitors.

A burger being served at a Nestara community event

Our signature initiative

Block Party Sundays

Once a month, we make space for people to feel safe, celebrated and part of something.

  • Dignity and belongingA welcoming place where people are known, cared for and reminded that they matter.
  • Food, music and funFresh meals and celebration create a genuine invitation to gather.
  • Paths forwardTrusted connections to treatment, family and other resources when someone is ready.
  • Culture and remembranceRoom for holistic healing and for honouring community members we have lost.

Join us at Block Party Sundays

When

The last Sunday of every month, beginning at 12:00 p.m. We continue serving until the food runs out.

Where

399 Carrall Street, Vancouver — open in Google Maps ↗

Parking

Free street parking is available on Cordova Street. Please check nearby signs and avoid parking in the bike lanes in front of Pigeon Park. Paid parking at EasyPark, 65 West Cordova Street ↗

Community in action

Block Party Sundays are powered by volunteers from all walks of life, each bringing their own skills, experiences and reasons for showing up. The event is also a hands-on learning space where we mentor student-led groups and emerging grassroots nonprofits, helping them develop the practical experience, relationships and confidence to serve their own communities.

The Nestara model

Gather. Reconnect. Heal.

We cultivate spaces where cultural safety, dignity and belonging are built into the experience—not added as an afterthought.

Compassion and practical thinking belong together. We design responsive community initiatives that create visible value, strengthen connection and use resources responsibly.

There is a place for you at the table

What would you bring?

Choose the way you want to take part. We will help with the next step.

01 · EVENT TEAM

Volunteer with us

Help welcome guests, serve meals, set up, clean up or bring the practical skills that keep Sundays moving.

Volunteer sign-up →
02 · IN-KIND SUPPORT

Contribute food or supplies

Restaurants, grocers, makers and neighbours can help with prepared food, ingredients, equipment or event supplies.

Offer a contribution →
03 · CULTURE + CREATIVITY

Artists & Knowledge Keepers

We welcome people interested in sharing music, art, cultural knowledge, ceremony or other meaningful community experiences.

Introduce yourself →

PJ’s Pack · A Nestara community initiative

Every dog has a story. Help make the next chapter their best yet.

Care when it matters. A future built to last.

When a dog we encounter through our work in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside needs urgent care or a safe new beginning, PJ’s Pack helps us act. Donations give us the capacity to cover emergency veterinary needs and help dogs prepare for permanent homes.

Help a dog ↗
Tulsa resting safely among soft blankets and toys
MEET TULSA

From a fragile beginning to a forever best friend.

Our newest initiative

Forever loved.
Never forgotten.

Too many lives in the Downtown Eastside are remembered temporarily, then disappear from public view. Nestara is working toward permanent, culturally safe spaces for remembrance—places where grief is witnessed and every life is honoured.

Nestara's physical Forever Loved community memorial boardOur physical community memorial board
✦

Approved community tributes will live here.

Add someone to the board

Leave a tribute

Submissions are reviewed by Nestara before being published.

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Stay in the loop

Get the next invitation.

Hear about upcoming Block Party Sundays, volunteer opportunities and other public Nestara initiatives.

There’s more than one way to show up.

Apply to volunteer ↗Start a conversation ↗Follow on Instagram ↗