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E-Mail 250-769-4999 Directory
Early Years Department
1880 Quail Lane, Westbank, BC
T 250 768 4838
Community Services Department
1900 Quail Lane, Westbank BC
T 250 768 0227
Children and family programs are located in both the Early Years Building and the Community Services Building. Early Years is formally recognized as a provincial early years centre. Programs and services are offered for families, infants, and children.
Our Community Services programs aim to promote physical mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and healing. Healthy families create healthy communities. These programs are located in the Community Services Building.
When: Monday to Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Evenings as required) Contact: Child and Youth Counsellor | T 250-768-0227
The Child and Youth Counsellor provides counselling services using a variety of strategies and techniques, incorporating a holistic and culturally-sensitive approach. Counselling goals are developed with the family to ensure an inclusive, integrated approach is used. Young clients and their families may be supported through loss and grief, family conflict and/or change, violence, bullying, depression, and/or anxiety. Education and referrals to outside agencies may also be provided as required.
When: Monday to Friday | 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (evenings as required) Contact: Family Support Worker | T 250 768 8294 (direct line)
The Family Support Worker works for WFN, in collaboration with the Ministry of Children and Family Development ("MCFD"), supporting families and children that are at risk or involved with MCFD. With ongoing intervention, prevention, education, and support to the families and children, the goal is to reduce and improve outcomes for children and families involved with MCFD.
Contact: Membership Services | T 250 768 0227 | E-mail
This program was put in place to provide each newborn Member with a deposit to a trust account that can be accessed when they are 19.
Westbank First Nation is committed to developing strong and healthy children and families. The Early Years department aims to provide quality programs and services that support families and their children from birth to 12 years.
The Westbank First Nation Family Program strives to actively engage participants in strengthening their connections to families and community. The program follows the guiding principles of Aboriginal Head Start and includes education, language, culture, health promotion, parent and family involvement, social support and nutrition. Our programming provides an opportunity for family members to build on their strengths and contribute their abilities to the community. These programs are located in the Early Years Centre.
Contact: Family Program Coordinator | T 250.768.4838 | Email
Tuesdays 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Designed for caregivers and children ages birth to six years, this program is open to Indigenous families living on or off-reserve. The focus is to build healthy foundations in all aspects of emotional, social, cognitive, physical, and spiritual development and pride in our syilx culture. cəptiʷɬ, nsyilxcen, Elders & cultural knowledge keepers are all key parts of the program. Families participate in gathering and processing traditional foods and medicines and are supported to bring culture into their family life and build a sense of belonging and identity. There are plenty of opportunities for bonding between parent and child in addition to developing friendship bonds between other families within the community. A nutritious lunch is included.
Preregistration is required.
Application
Contact: Family Program Coordinator | T: 250.768.4838 | Email
Fridays 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Modeling of exercise and fitness is the most effective way of encouraging children to move and develop healthy habits. Each Family Fitness session is uniquely designed to create new experiences, encourage family wellness and teach new fitness activities, through syilx culture land-based learning, gymnastics, exploring parks and trails, swimming, and contributing to the WFN community garden.
Wednesdays 11:00am – 12:00pm
Fit Flow Yoga is a fresh take on old traditions of movement patterns and music that calls us back to healing and trust in ourselves. The combination of power yoga, cardio-focused dance and body sculpting movements work together to strengthen the body and soul. All movements may be modified to suit your body and abilities. Fit Flow Yoga is about developing an all-inclusive community and building people up.
Contact: Family Program Coordinator | T: 250.768.4838 Email
Thursdays 10:30am – 2:00pm
A whole family wellness program incorporating syilx cultural and language. Weekly groups consist of a nutritious lunch and curriculum supported by Head Start and Success by Six. The focus of the program is building healthy parent and child connections that include the importance of extended families, syilx culture, literacy and creative play. Childcare is provided during a portion of the program to allow for caregiver education and discussions on topics related to child development, parenting skills and self-care. The program is regularly visited by a Speech and Language Pathologist and other health professionals to answer questions and provide guidance on your child’s development.
The Indigenous Infant and Child Development Program falls under the umbrella of the Westbank First Nation Early Years Department and consists of two programs. These programs are located in the Early Years Centre.
Contact: T 250 768 4838 Email
The IEYO program offers family-centered support to families of children 0-6 years of age. The IEYO Consultant supports families by providing home visitation, developmental screenings and assessments, activity planning, and assists families in accessing other health, social, and community services. The IEYO program supports the development of children within the context of their family, community and culture, and by offering access to culturally-appropriate early intervention and prevention support programs. This program is open to Indigenous families living on and off reserve.
REFERRAL FORM
The ISCD program is family-centred program, designed specifically to meet the needs of children 3-12 years of age who require additional supports in child care programs, preschools, after-school care programs, and in other community settings. Such inclusion nurtures a child’s self-esteem, identity, and allows children to participate in settings that will support their development along with their peers. Additionally, the ISCD Consultant supports families by providing consultation to families and community programs, assisting in accessing and coordinating additional supports and services, activity planning, and supporting the transition to kindergarten and middle school. If extra-staffing support is needed, the ISCD Support Workers provide program assistance to community programs to support access, inclusion, and success for all children in these settings. This program is open to Indigenous families living on and off reserve.
Out of School Care consists of after school care and summer camp. A one-week spring camp will be considered depending on the needs of the families. Please call for verification. These programs are located in the Early Years Centre.
Contact: Out of School Care Supervisor | T 250 768 4838 ext. 4210| C 250 575 2178 | E-mail
When: Monday to Friday | September to June | 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. | Ages: 5 to 12
Transportation provided from Chief Tomat Elementary. Space limited to 24.
The provincially-licensed program is open to children, ages 5 to 12, attending either sənsisyustən or Chief Tomat and provides an environment where children are encouraged to explore, make choices, and develop a positive sense of self and uniqueness. Activities include arts and crafts, sports, drama games, out trips, as well as free play.
After School Care Waitlist
Contact: Out of School Care Supervisor | T 250 768 4838 ext. 4206 | C 250 575 2178 | Email
When: Monday to Friday | July through August Cost: Available on request
Open to children ages 5 to 11 who are either WFN Members, Aboriginal both on and off reserve, and all WFN residents. The registration form will be available approximately mid May. The camp can accommodate up to 24 children. Children will take part in arts and crafts, sports, games, and many different activities that fit into the theme of the week. Your child(ren) must be in the age range of completed kindergarten to grade 5 to attend.
Summer Camp Waitlist