Kyah Wiget Education Society
"Witsuwit'en Values Empower Lifelong Learners to Realize Their Potential"
Holistic Education without Borders
The Wit’suwit’en Child and Family Center
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Programs & Hours
Infant & Toddler and 3-5 year old program
Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm
Monthly fee is $200 a month
Aboriginal Headstart Infant & Toddler Program Mon - Thurs 9am-3pm
Friday are parent participation day.
No fee program
Prek 4 yr old program - not in operation yet
Before and Afterschool program
school age- not in operation yet
Develop the Mind
Your child will benefit from our age appropriate, professional and well thought out curriculum, designed to establish a strong skill base and love of learning. Our learning environment is playbased, which supports our children to discover new concepts, uncover hidden mysteries and imagine new possibilities, all while allowing them to learn at their own pace. Early learning enables children to develop the confidence to tackle problems, overcome obstacles and succeed. We understand the impact quality education can have on young children when immersed into our Wit’suwit’en Culture. The core of culture begins with our ancestors and has been carried for generations for us to embed into our programming.
Nourish the Body
Activity, fitness and play are all key elements to our program. With regular outdoor time and planned indoor activities, our children experience a world of movement, dance, and recreation. At The Wit’suwit’en Child and Family Center, we incorporate nutrition, music, language and physical activity into each program. We have previously consulted with a registered dietitian and Nutritionist which assists us in planning the snack and lunch menu. Our guidelines reduce the intake of sugar and salt in the children’s diet; meeting the recommended Canadian Food Guide. Its important for parents to review the monthly snack and lunch menu. When a parent knows or is unsure that their child will not eat what is on the menu; it is the parent’s responsibility to bring food in for their child.
Inspire the Soul
The Wit’suwit’en Child and Family Center environment encourages a child’s individuality, creativity and exploration. We help develop children’s social, emotional and physical needs as they grow, develop and mature throughout their journey. We promote freedom and independence while emphasizing the importance of team work and social skills. We celebrate differences and emphasize inclusion, while maintaining a strong sense of connection within community. Acknowledging that we are located on Likhsilyu Territory. Guiding the children their proper protocols on drumming, singing, and clans. Demonstrated respect for everyone involved with our center.
WCFC Totem Pole Raising Ceremony
Carver: James Madam
Embedding Our Ways of Life
The journey began on July 1, 2021, when Harold Morris, Ivan Naziel, Lane Michell, and Robert Dennis discovered the tree. James Madam ventured into the Boulder Creek area and selected the perfect tree. Harold and his crew retrieved it by hand, a testament to their dedication and skill.
Throughout this process, numerous conversations took place among staff, parents, and elders at the Wit’suwit’en Child & Family Center. James joined these discussions, listening intently to the stories and insights shared. Inspired by these rich narratives, he designed our center pole. Community input was crucial in the development of the pole. The matriarchs, the lifeline of our community, are symbolized at the bottom of the pole, holding us up. The middle of the pole represents our community’s food source, a vital element of our sustenance and culture.
James carved the pole behind the daycare, and joined the children for lunch daily during the carving stages. The children at the center wittnesed the creation of the pole, along with developoing a friendship with James.
Clan Crests
The purpose and intent behind the clan crests are to signify unity and to wrap around the pole as a form of protection, honoring our way of life as Wit’suwit’en people. Each carving represents one of the five clans and will be placed around the totem pole. These carvings will be positioned in front of the new daycare (upper level) and the New Family Services building (lower level)
OUR CHILDREN ARE IMPORTANT
Niwh Skak hibizdilhtiy’
Moving forward for the well-being and reciprocity of all Wit’suwit’en children and families, this pole signifies the importance of who we are as Wit’suwit’en people. It provides a safe environment where children can learn their language and culture seamlessly, without barriers. This allows them to become their best selves and be proud of who they are and where they come from, free from trauma.
THANK YOU!
A huge Thank you to everyone who came out and supported and witnessed today’s pole raising. Everyone today is contributing to this part of history. The collective efforts it took along the journey; from our funders to our children. The chiefs, the parents, the staff, the families, and the elders. Non of this could have happened without you all.
Project funded by:
First Nations Health Authority – Aboriginal headstart on reserve funding
Wetzin’kwa Community Forest Corporation – Arts and Culture grant
Smithers District Chamber of Commerce
Kyah Wiget Education Society
Indigenous Early Learning & Child Care