In Coast Salish communities, caring for children has always been a shared responsibility. Children are gifts, and raising them well requires love, patience, and the guidance of family and community.
At NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society (NIȽ TU,O), Caregivers play an important role in fulfilling this shared responsibility. Caregivers walk alongside children and youth, working with a ₭EŚENTEL (Social Worker) to create an environment where children feel secure and connected while helping children stay connected to their families, community, and culture.
The role of a Caregiver is guided by the following qualities.
1. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers share a willingness to learn and walk humbly.
In Coast Salish ways, no one is expected to know everything. Learning happens through listening, observing, and building relationships. Caregivers approach caregiving with humility, openness, and a readiness to learn—from the child, from family, from Elders, and from community. NIȽ TU,O offers training and ongoing support, and Caregivers understand that seeking help is part of walking a good path.
2. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers share a commitment to keeping children connected.
For too long, Coast Salish children were taken from their families and communities, breaking important bonds and interrupting the transfer of cultural knowledge. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers help support the renewal of what was disrupted by ensuring children remain connected to their relatives, their Nation, their lands, and their community. This connection strengthens children and supports healing for everyone involved.
3. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers share a respect for Coast Salish culture and teachings.
NIȽ TU,O prioritizes working with Caregivers who are Indigenous and who value the importance of culture in a child’s life. Caregivers do not have to be knowledge holders or Elders; what matters is a willingness to learn, participate, and share cultural practices—whether that means attending community events, learning stories, spending time on the land, or supporting children in their cultural identity. NIȽ TU,O helps connect Caregivers to cultural supports when needed.
4. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers create a home where children feel safe, loved, and a sense of belonging.
In Coast Salish teachings, home is where a child knows they are wanted. Caregivers offer consistency, patience, and care, even during challenging times. NIȽ TU,O walks alongside Caregivers with financial support, respite, and community resources so Caregivers can focus on creating a home grounded in love, safety, and belonging.
5. NIȽ TU,O Caregivers share a desire to care for future generations.
Becoming a Caregiver is an act of responsibility to past, present, and future generations. Caregivers understand the impact they have and are honoured to support a child’s journey, helping them grow strong in their identity, confidence, and connection to community.
NIȽ TU,O is currently seeking Caregivers with the above qualities to provide respite, short-term, or long-term care to Coast Salish youth. Starting the application process is easy. Simply submit an inquiry using this contact form.
To stay up to date on NIȽ TU,O’s work, caregiving opportunities, and other opportunities to support Coast Salish children and youth, be sure to sign up for the NIȽ TU,O newsletter.
