NIȽ TU,O is dedicated to keeping Coast Salish children with their families and in their communities.
We are also an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency (ICFSA)
About Us
Originally formed by representatives of the Esquimalt, SC’IȺNEW̱, BOḰEĆEN, W̱JOȽEȽP, SȾÁUTW̱, Songhees, W̱SÍ,ḴEM and T’Sou-ke First Nations in 1997, NIȽ TU,O CFSS was formed in response to concerns about the number of Coast Salish children in the foster care system.
The following seven South Island Coast Salish Communities have submitted a BCR (Band Council Resolution) to have NIȽ TU,O CFSS provide services to their children and families: SC’IȺNEW̱, BOḰEĆEN, W̱JOȽEȽP, SȾÁUTW̱, Songhees, W̱SÍ,ḴEM and T’Sou-ke. NIȽ TU,O provides two distinct streams of services. Both streams of services are designed to keep Coast Salish children with their families and in their community.
The first stream of services is Family Strengthening Programs for any member Nation youth or parents that could benefit from additional support. The second is the types of Support Services previously provided by the Ministry of Child & Family Development (called delegated services). As an Indigenous Child and Family Services Agency (ICFSA), currently delegated at C4, NIȽ TU,O provides the following delegated services:
- Guardianship and care for children in continuing care
- Voluntary support services to families
- Voluntary care or special needs agreements
- Recruitment, training, and support for caregivers
- Youth Agreements
- Respite Services
- Extended Family Program
- Agreement with Young Adults
Vision & Mission
Vision
Our Vision for the NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society is to rebuild healthy families, communities and Nations that is based on who we are as NEW̱ (people).
Mission:
1. NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society is to provide programs and services that are built on a foundation of our SNEPENEḴ (teaching) of our SELW ȺN (Elders).
2. Our trained staff will support children and families in a culturally safe manner with confidentiality and professionalism.
3. Our families will assume their roles and responsibilities within the extended family and community.
4. Our Board of Directors are our voice and commitment to each of the seven (7) member communities that we serve.
5. Our programs and services are coming from the perspective of NUTSUMAT SHQWALUWUN (working together with one mind).
Philosophy
We believe in:
Our culture and values of NEW (our people).
In our traditional teachings that come from the land, air and water.
Meeting the needs of our children and their families physically, emotionally,
spiritually, culturally and psychologically.
Providing prevention programs and services to our young children, youth and
families, while building trust each step of the way.
Practicing confidentiality, respect and integrity while building capacity and
education our children, families, leadership and communities about their rights
and responsibilities.
Children staying with their families and extended families
In exerting our rights and responsibilities for our children and families with
external agencies and government.
The Facilities
NIȽ TU,O is located in an award-nominated Coast-Salish longhouse stylized building at Mt. Newton Cross and the Pat Bay Highway.
Recently extensively renovated, the new building truly facilitates the breaking down of barriers and strengthening of Coast Salish communities by providing a safe place to deliver culturally appropriate programs and services to families and children.
Numerous design elements support the organization’s mission and day-to-day work, from gardens blooming with native plants to large-scale design features and thoughtful details throughout. For instance, the prominent Basket Weave both shelters the walkway between entrances and demonstrates unmistakable Coast Salish pride.
Team
NIȽ TU,O has grown to a team of over 40 staff, the majority of whom are Indigenous.
Staff members include Associate Community Service Managers, ₭EŚENTEL (Social Workers), ŚTEṈISTEL (Family Support Workers), Team Assistants, and Community Wellness Facilitators.
To learn more about joining NIȽ TU,O, please visit our Careers Section
Dominique Addey
Danika Johnstone
Annie Konopasek
Board of Directors
The Board is made up of people chosen by the Chief and Council of SC’IȺNEW̱, BOḰEĆEN, W̱JOȽEȽP, SȾÁUTW̱, Songhees, W̱SÍ,ḴEM, and T’Sou-ke First Nations.
Board executive as of November, 2024:
Rose Dumont
PRESIDENT
Abraham Pelkey
VICE-PRESIDENT
Gordon Elliott
TREASURER
Sheeba Sawyer
SECRETARY
Members of the Board
| NATION | MEMBERS |
BOḰEĆEN First Nation | Rebecca David, Alva Bob |
SC’IȺNEW̱ Nation | Sheeba Sawyer, Miranda Metge |
Songhees Nation | Eugene Sam, Ron Sam |
W̱JOȽEȽP Nation | Gordon Elliott, Joseph Seward |
SȾÁUTW̱ Nation | Abraham Pelkey, Wilhemena Harry |
W̱SÍ,ḴEM First Nation | Tanya Jimmy, Vacant |
T’Sou-ke Nation | Rose Dumont, Bonnie Hill |
Society Structure
