On May 14, 2026, community members gathered at the Saanich Fairgrounds for the 13th annual HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ (Honour the Babies) Celebration.

NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society (NIȽ TU,O) hosts the HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ Celebration annually as an opportunity to celebrate all babies born to families from SC’IȺNEW̱, BOḰEĆEN, W̱JOȽEȽP, SȾÁUTW̱, Songhees, W̱SÍ,ḴEM, and T’Sou-ke in the previous year.

This year, 15 new babies and their families joined NIȽ TU,O staff for the celebration. During the event, Elders and Knowledge Holders gave the babies a series of blessings, lovingly wrapped them in small red blankets featuring NIȽ TU,O’s logo, and adorned them with beautiful traditional woven headbands. Afterwards, the attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch together.

New babies and their families stand together for NIȽ TU,O’s 13th annual HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ Celebration.

To support the young families in the early years of each baby’s life, NIȽ TU,O presented door prizes and prepared overflowing gift bags for every attendee. NIȽ TU,O will continue to serve as a resource for each family in every stage of life through its many confidential and culturally safe Family Strengthening Programs and Support Services.

A baby born in 2025 wears their NIȽ TU,O blanket and woven headband at NIȽ TU,O’s 13th annual HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ Celebration.

NIȽ TU,O extends a heartfelt thanks to the many community members who joined together to make the 13th annual HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ event such a meaningful celebration of new life. A special thanks goes out to the families, Elders and Knowledge Holders, community organizations, and NIȽ TU,O staff who all made the event possible.

Babies and family members enjoy NIȽ TU,O’s 13th annual HEUIST TŦE ḴELAḴ Celebration.

To stay up to date on this story and other ways NIȽ TU,O is supporting Coast Salish children and families to stay connected to community and culture, be sure to subscribe to the NIȽ TU,O newsletter.

To learn more about NIȽ TU,O’s Family Strengthening Programs and Support Services, visit https://niltuo.ca/ or call 250-544-1400 and ask for a confidential intake.