Sni-nuw (Early Years)
Our Sni’nuw Team uses Coast Salish teachings and a strength-based approach to support and guide parents with children ages 0 to 6.
Our Sni’nuw program enhances early childhood development and family health and wellness for preschool children ages 0-6. Sni’nuw is a Hul’q’umi’num word for “someone who knows teachings”, and we use Coast Salish teachings, songs, stories and language as well as a strong foundation in child development to help our young families prepare their children for success.
We offer a variety of opportunities for families – from playgroups, to parenting courses, one-on-one outreach and Aboriginal Infant Development programs to strengthen our family circles and encourage play, exploration and discovery using both a traditional and mainstream approach.
Our Sni’nuw workers honour our parents as their child’s best teachers. We walk with them to encourage and develop their parenting skills, respect and follow their unique cultural values, advocate for and connect them to community services and resources.
Four Seasons Developmental Domains for whole person wellness!
Culture and Language
to provide children with a positive sense of themselves as First Nations people and build their knowledge of the Hulquminum language and culture.
Education
to support and encourage First Nations children to enjoy life-long learning using a holistic early childhood development model (physical, spiritual, emotional, intellectual and social development).
Health Promotion/Nutrition
to encourage healthy lifestyles with an emphasis on developing self-care and wellness choices for life.
Parent/Community Connection
to support and involve parents as their children’s primary teachers, and provide learning opportunities to empower parents to grow as role models for their children.