ŚTEṈISTEL (Family Support Workers) from NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society (NIȽ TU,O) have monthly FSW In Community days in both Tseycum and Pauquachin, introducing NIȽ TU,O resources for each community.

ŚTEṈISTEL – named after the SENĆOŦEN word for “walking forward together” – are kind, compassionate, and approachable individuals who help Coast Salish individuals and families access the resources needed to build safe and stable homes.

When a community member first meets with a ŚTEṈISTEL, the ŚTEṈISTEL listens closely to learn about the needs and goals of the individual or family. Sometimes, all a person or family needs is a compassionate sounding board to help work through problems. In those cases, the ŚTEṈISTEL is available to listen without judgement.

Sometimes, an individual or family might need extra support. In those cases, the ŚTEṈISTEL will help the individual or family understand what resources are available and how to access those resources. For example, ŚTEṈISTEL can help:

  • Navigate applications for government services;
  • Accompany community members to important appointments;
  • Mentor youth through the transition to adulthood;
  • Support with connecting with medical professionals, including counsellors;
  • Support families navigating MCFD involvement;
  • Provide information about NIȽ TU,O’s many Family Strengthening Services and Support Services; and
  • Connect individuals and families to cultural resources, like language classes, on-the-land learning opportunities, and culturally grounded education.

FSW In Community days introduce ŚTEṈISTEL and the FSW services to community members who live on reserve and may not feel drawn to online interactions. ŚTEṈISTEL look forward to building face-to-face relationships with community members, and to ensuring everyone in community knows about the many opportunities for support, programming, and workshops available through NIȽ TU,O. We always have snacks and activities at our community days, making the days fun and engaging.

ŚTEṈISTEL community days in Pauquachin take place on the second Thursday of each month in the Pauquachin Health Building Office.

ŚTEṈISTEL community days in Tseycum take place on the second Wednesday of each month at the Tseycum Wellness Centre.

During community visits, ŚTEṈISTEL are available to meet in person with anyone in the community to answer questions, offer information about the programs, services, and supports available to address the unique needs of each family, and fill out an intake form for anyone interested in having support from a ŚTEṈISTEL. This starts the process of connecting with a ŚTEṈISTEL for you or your family.

NIȽ TU,O encourages all community members to meet ŚTEṈISTELs and to learn about all the ways our team can be of support. 

ŚTEṈISTEL community days are just one of the many ways NIȽ TU,O is helping Coast Salish individuals, children and families stay connected to community and culture. To learn more about NIȽ TU,O’s work, be sure to subscribe to the NIȽ TU,O newsletter.