In our childcare programs, some of the most meaningful learning doesn’t happen at a table or inside four walls. It happens outside — feet on the earth, wind in the cedars, and children listening with wide‑open curiosity as Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elders share stories, songs, and teachings that have lived on this land far longer than any of us.
Over the past year, those teachings have become a vibrant, joyful, and grounding part of life in our programs. And during Indigenous People’s Month, we’re celebrating the Elders, educators, children, and families who have helped make that possible.
Where the Learning Begins: On the Land
One of the most transformative moments for our educators began in the Squamish Estuary. Elder Randall Lewis (Uncle Randy) guided educators through the winding paths of the watershed, sharing teachings about salmon, rivers, and the deep relationship between the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and the land.
For many educators, this wasn’t just a workshop — it was a shift.
They described the estuary walk as a turning point — a moment that shifted how they saw the land and how they taught on it.
“Learning from Uncle Randy changed the way I approach my relationship to the land. His teachings about the significant history of the Squamish Estuary, the impacts of colonialism, and the long work of restoration deepened my understanding of the importance of respect, stewardship, and sharing the stories held within the land and waterways.” – Manger of Childcare Services
That confidence now shows up in classrooms and outdoor play every day, as educators weave Indigenous perspectives into stories, songs, and conversations with children.
A Blessing for Mén̓mens ta smánit
When the new childcare centre opened at Valleycliffe Elementary, Elders helped welcome it in a way that honoured tradition and community.
Cedar boughs were harvested following Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw protocol. Elders helped prepare them for each doorway and several Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw members led a blessing ceremony attended by the wider community.
It was a moment of warmth, pride, and reconciliation in action — a reminder that childcare spaces can be places of cultural safety, belonging, and shared stewardship.
Joy in the Everyday: Bannock, Weaving, Drumming, Dancing
Across our licensed early childhood programs, more than 80 children and 35 educators have learned alongside Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elders in the past year.
Some favourite moments:
- Bannock Day at Dandelions and Dragonflies, where Auntie Eileen and Auntie Cindy baked and fried bannock for children to enjoy with honey, butter, or peanut butter.
- Weaving and braiding at Brackendale Childcare Program, where children made bracelets, headbands, and hair braids while Auntie Eileen wove on her loom.
- Drumming and dancing like eagles, with children remembering songs long after the visit ended.
“Before we went outside, the children sang the eagle song and were dancing. They remembered it.” — SSCS Educator
These moments weren’t just fun — they helped children build respect, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Why This Matters — For Every Child
For Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw children, seeing their culture reflected in their childcare environment supports identity, pride, and connection to ancestry.
For non‑Indigenous children, these experiences nurture early understanding of Indigenous Peoples, the land, and the responsibilities we all share.
And for educators, these relationships have been transformative. Elders have become trusted partners — and in many ways, extended family.
“Glad I could have some happy moments to share with the young ones.” — Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder
Looking Ahead
We are honoured to learn from the Elders who walk alongside us. Their teachings continue to shape our programs, our relationships, and our understanding of what it means to care for children on these lands.
This Indigenous People’s Month, we celebrate the joy, connection, and community that grows when we learn together — on the land, with open hearts, and guided by those who have cared for this place since time immemorial.