Our community could have suffered a tragic loss if not for the quick-thinking and bravery of one young man. This past summer, a le’lumilh family of 13 from Nanaimo escaped a house fire with the help of 18-year old son Karim Cumming-Quennelle who discovered the fire and got his siblings out of the house safely. The fire, which began in the carport and quickly spread to the rest of the home, destroyed everything, but the entire family (including their cats and dogs) were unharmed.

The long days of summer provide a much-anticipated break from day care, and school, and are often filled with swimming, cookouts, travel and outdoor fun. The summer can also carry danger for children as the hot sun puts kids at risk of sunburn, dehydration and heat-related illness

A healthy lifestyle is important for absolutely everyone. When we look after our physical health, we feel better too – fitter, more relaxed and better able to cope with stress. Healthy living means developing and maintaining healthy habits while changing those habits that are not supporting your health and wellness.

Sunday, June 5th was a big catch as members from our 9 Nations gathered for our 2nd annual Ku’ki’youk Fishing Derby where over 20 vessels spent the day out on the beautiful waters of Shell Beach. This was a day to celebrate and exercise our inherent right to fish in traditional territory, and enjoy a little friendly competition in the process.

The plant is widely used by many Indigenous peoples as it has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. It has medicinal, practical, ceremonial and spiritual uses in Coastal First Nation groups. The many medicinal purposes of this plant vary among cultural groups, though most traditional medicines utilize the roots, and green inner bark of the branch or stalk.

Here in BC, more than 20% of Indigenous households are “in core housing need”, meaning their homes are unsuitable, unaffordable or insufficient to meet the needs of their household. For the children and families we serve, access to safe, affordable and adequate housing is a huge barrier to their health and wellness.

Thursday, May 26th a large gathering of community members joined us to celebrate the grand opening of the Penelakut Youth Centre. The afternoon began with a drum and dance ceremony, followed by the cutting of the ribbon by Chief Brown and KL ED Bill Yoachim, and a tour of the building and amenities.

Congratulations Sqwulusultun, Bill Yoachim who received an @bcachievement Community Award on Tuesday, May 10th. We are so proud of his vision, leadership and advocacy on behalf of Indigenous children and families.

Thursday, April 5th Step Up Team Lead and current Council Member of Stz'uminus First Nation Tim Harris shared his journey to Stz'uminus members who attended our partnered Wellbriety Program.

In the past during spawn season, herring were pulled from the water with baskets, dip nets, spears and long-handed rakes. Some people also used stone or wood fish traps on the intertidal areas of beaches to trap fish on the declining tide.

Breanna Wilson is an 18 year old from Stz’uminus First Nation with an engaging smile, soft voice, and big dreams. She was also one of the first people to be referred to KL’s Step-Up Work Placement Program that aims to help Indigenous youth find meaningful employment.

Wulhxus (March) 14th-18th, Kw’umut Lelum hosted our first 3-Day Family Retreat where 5 families shared, practiced, and connected to Coast Salish ways through Traditional teachings and hands on crafts and activities at the Cowichan Lake Education Centre.

Thursday, March 24th, Kw'umut Lelum hosted a Cedar Gala where we celebrated 25 years of providing Indigenous-centered programming and services as an agency, as well as the creation of the newly-launched Kw'umut Lelum Foundation.

We raise our hands to Indigenous Perspectives Society, in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada who have generously donated 124 backpacks filled with gifts, treats, and useful items for our children and youth in care.

We raise our hands to Indigenous Perspectives Society, in partnership with the Children's Aid Foundation of Canada who have generously donated 124 backpacks filled with gifts, treats, and useful items for our children and youth in care.

Those of you who took part in our Cultural Connections cooking series know that cooking (and eating) together as a family builds strong bonds and opportunities to share family teachings and values. For a warming winter meal that you can make inexpensively – try Bonnie William's Corn Chowder!

Screens are everywhere – we interact with them every day in our home, work, schools and even just walking down the street. Technology allows us, and our kids, with access to so much information and opportunities. But we are starting to see some downsides to all this screen time – especially for children.

Eli Wyse is not a social worker. The 2018 Provincial, Golden Glove Champion, and BC International Boxing Representative was hired by Kw’umut Lelum to work with high risk Indigenous youth as an Outreach Worker. His job is to make connections with youth, provide mentorship and guidance, and help them to walk a good path.

Each year, one family from each of our communities (as well as one each from those living in our urban centres of Duncan and Nanaimo) are chosen to receive a Christmas hamper filled with everything they need to enjoy a holiday meal with their household. Families are selected with input from our front-line workers and Nation representatives.

It’s cold and flu season – so give your immune system a boost with a traditional medicine of elderberry syrup. The red elderberry (th’iwuq’) is native to Vancouver Island and has been harvested by the Coast Salish people for millennia. Huy ch q'a to Kristin Thomas (Halalt) for her recipe!