Prior to COVID, NIȽ TU,O Caregivers would get together once a month for an in-person catered dinner in one of the communities. After everyone had finished their meal and dessert the children would go off with the child care staff and do crafts and play. The Caregivers and NIL TU,O staff would gather after the meal and check-in and then a presentation and/or activity designed to support Caregivers of Coast Salish children would be on the agenda.
Shown above: baby moccasins made by Family Support Worker Michelle Anderson
Since COVID, the events have successfully transitioned online, with materials for activities and meal gift cards either mailed or dropped off.
This January’s caregiver event will focus on teaching caregivers more about Coast Salish cultural protocols. Over two online sessions taking place at the end of January, NIȽ TU,O caregivers will participate in a baby moccasin-making workshop as well as receive training about cultural protocols as they pertain to caregiving.
Family and Cultural Connections Social Worker, Shannon Campbell, will facilitate this session, and Family Support Worker Michelle Anderson will be teaching the moccasin-making lessons. Resource Social Workers, Dominique Addey, and Alison Watson work together with their team to coordinate the monthly caregiver on-line events until it is safe to gather again. To learn more about becoming a caregiver, please contact NIȽ TU,O at 250-544-1400.
