Trigger warning: The following story speaks about domestic violence.

Whether it’s being exposed to inappropriate content in games, videos or websites, cyberbullying, or even child luring, there are risks to our most vulnerable when they are online.

The transition into Kindergarten is not only a big change in your child’s life but also your family’s life as well – check out some tips from our 4 Seasons Early Years Team to help this change go smoothly!

Summer is a time when children are excited and ready to have fun but coming up with new activities to engage and entertain them can become increasingly challenging! Check out these tips and activity ideas to keep your little one happily enjoying the summer season.

The newly-formed Kw’umut Lelum Foundation, created by Kw’umut Lelum Child and Family Services, today announced the hiring of Sharon Hobenshield, Ha-Youly, as Executive Director.

Every year since 2009, Kw’umut Lelum has participated in Tribal Journey. This Pacific coastal canoe journey, with participants from hundreds of Nations, has offered a chance for our youth in care to connect with each other and with their culture. It is a welcome chance to build a stronger sense of self, to heal, to learn, and to have fun.

This new approach will see employees working the same number of hours per week, but condensed into 4 days instead of five. There will be no reduction in service delivery and in fact, our office hours are being extended – we are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

At a vigil on May 30th at Swy-a-lana in Nanaimo, good-hearted citizens donated money and toys in remembrance of victims and survivors of residential schools.

The “Staying Connected to Education” initiative provides access to support their online education, and also keeps them better connected to the services and social supports they need.

The site marks a new chapter in the organization’s 23-year history of offering culturally-integrated services to Indigenous families in mid-Vancouver Island.

The weekend was an empowering one for everyone involved. Said Patrick Aleck Jr.: "Even men who weren't comfortable sharing emotions shared. I needed the weekend to recharge and refocus and the men's retreat helped with that. Please have more programs and be patient in this "quick fix" and "I want it now" society! Thank you for you Kw’umut Lelum for the great weekend!".

We pulled for a couple of hours in the heat, as it beat down on us it took its toll. We ended up being towed for short leg of the pull by our Swinomish relatives, totally saved the day, as our youth are being pushed to their limits. Once we broke off from the support boat a big ship was passing by and gave us the chance to test our might as the large waves cast from its motors barreled at us.

Our trip found us at the shores of the Muckleshoot tribe, another glorious voyage across sacred ancestral waters. With the sun glistening atop the waters, the wind on our face and the waters beneath us we were on top of the world.

As with everything in life there must be balance; when participating in so much culture and giving away so much in such a short timeframe we must remember to take care of ourselves. But more important is the idea of down time and introspection as self-reflection is an important aspect in our growth.

Pulling into sacred Swinomish lands was awe inspiring, gliding across the waters and pulling up to 3 massive gazebos in the shape of cedar hats – really enhanced the self-identity aspect of the journeys.

As we pull across the Salish Sea we become more engaged with one another and even more so with ourselves. Mother Nature has provided an abundance of blessings that cascade throughout each and every one of us.

As the days go by our bodies, minds and spirits feel the wear and tear of long hard pulls against the waves, the currents and the winds. Not to mention the sweltering heat all taking its toll on everyone. On the shores of the Lummi Nation, we were joined by a dozen other canoe families and greeted by beautiful people and songs, and hundreds of smiling faces; it all starts making sense.

As with every journey of self-discovery comes more challenges than the mind and heart can handle. At times you become the challenge and can’t even recognize a way through, until the culture pulls you through each and every emotion you need to experience.

Our pull from Shell Beach to Cowichan was a sunny day filled with emotions. Our children really filled themselves with goodness as we left Stz’uminus; it helped carry us across the ocean on a very positive note. The sun, the wind, the energy and a group of hard working kids pulling together made for a special day.