
Four Seasons Cultural Program (4S)
A Brief History
The Four Season’s Cultural Program was born from an identified need for our youth in care to feel a sense of belonging and ownership of their inherent birth rights.
Past cultural programming at Kw’umut Lelum has included events such as participation in Tribal Journey, language classes, Family Camps, carving classes and visits to community events. However, 4S creates programming in a more sustainable, fluid way that is tied to each child’s plan of care, and immersed in all determinants of life.
Vision
Kw'umut Lelum will lead British Columbia in the promotion, development and enhancement of belonging, mastery, independence and generosity for our children and youth in care through seasonal cultural programming routed in the traditional teachings of Snuw’uy’ulh set in a contemporary context.
Purpose
To facilitate opportunities for Kw’umut Lelum youth, aged 12- 18 to immerse themselves in a challenging, educational and cultural journey integrating the “two worlds” facilitated by staff, contractors and volunteers of Kwumut Lelum Child and Family Services.
Program Goals and Objectives
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To create a cultural plan sustainable throughout the four seasons and immersed in each child’s comprehensive plan of care.
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To develop programming honest and true to Coast Salish traditions and culture.
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To incorporate various types of learning into the program facilitation to promote optimal learning and retention of information.
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To foster ownership (buy in) of this program by Kw’umut Lelum Children and families.
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To implement activities supporting the four key identified themes of Coast Salish culture, one for each season.
Spring: Season for Ceremony
Key Teaching: Honouring Others
Key Event: Cultural Camp
Months: April- June
Activities: Age out and coming of age ceremonies, blanketing, cleansing, brushing off,
Summer: Season for Adventure
Key Teaching: Respecting the Water
Key Event: Tribal Journey
Months: July- September
Activities: Water safety, canoe landing and departure protocol, cultural bathing, collecting berries, fishing
Autumn: Season for Harvesting
Key Teaching: Respecting Food Sources
Key Event: Foster Parent Appreciation
Months: October- December
Activities: Smoke house, food storage, sharing and distributing food items, and oral traditions and myths.
Winter: Season for Creating
Key Teaching: Uy’schqalawin
Key Event: Arts and Crafts
Months: January- March
Activities: Knitting, regalia, cedar weaving, songs, drumming, and Mask Dance and Long House events.