culture and language
Our Culture and Language Team is at the heart of Scw'exmx Child and Family Services Society’s (SCFSS) efforts to preserve and promote Indigenous culture, language, and traditions. We are committed to aligning our programs, services, and events with the strategic goals of Culture of Caring and Growing Our People.
supporting our community through culture and language
In the past year, our team has focused on integrating culture and language into our services, ensuring that staff and Relations alike feel supported, valued, and heard. By working closely with our Resident Elders, we proactively address the needs of our teams and eliminate the need for specific requests for support. This collaborative approach promotes respect, empathy, and fosters a strong sense of community. Our efforts are aimed at ensuring our services resonate deeply with the communities we serve, while also prioritizing decolonization and the integration of Indigenous knowledge in our practices.
cultural frameworks and professional development
We recognize the importance of embedding cultural frameworks into our organizational structure, from our internal policies to staff training and development. By prioritizing cultural awareness and sensitivity, we are working to ensure that SCFSS reflects the values and wisdom of the communities we serve. We strive to create a space where staff feel empowered and supported, while also enhancing our approach to recruitment and human resources by integrating Indigenous perspectives.
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community-centred programs and events
One of the most exciting aspects of our work is the opportunity to host culturally-centered events that engage and strengthen our community ties. Through programs like Feel the Beat, Relations learn drumming, singing, regalia making, and other cultural practices in a fun, interactive way. These sessions not only provide skills but also deepen participants' sense of belonging and connection with their culture.
We are also proud of the Staycation event, where Relations engage in hands-on cultural activities such as creating ribbon skirts, moccasins, and drums, all while learning from and being uplifted by our Elders. This event, alongside others like the Youth Gathering and Elders Gathering, continues to foster intergenerational connections, ensuring that younger generations learn from the wisdom and guidance of our Elders.
on the land events and cultural education
Our On the Land events are an integral part of our cultural programming, where we come together to learn traditional practices, such as harvesting and land stewardship, under the guidance of our Resident Elders. These experiences enhance our connection to the land, deepen cultural understanding, and reinforce the responsibility we have to care for it.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce plans to expand our language education initiatives. We are in the process of hiring a dedicated Language Team to provide structured language learning opportunities for community members, ensuring that language thrives and is passed down to future generations.
a collaborative environment
The recent relocation of our Culture and Language Team to a larger, more accessible space has further strengthened our ability to collaborate with other SCFSS teams, particularly the Prevention Team. This shared space promotes more efficient workflows, stronger communication, and greater resource-sharing, which ultimately benefits the entire community.
By integrating cultural teachings and practices into all that we do, we aim to foster a nurturing environment where the values of our community can grow and thrive for years to come.
