For more than 25 years, the Kitasoo Xai’xais Child Care Centre has provided children and families with culturally grounded early learning opportunities that strengthen connections to territory, language, culture and community.
Guided by the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve (AHSOR) program, the center supports the growth and development of children from birth to age six and their families through land-based learning, cultural programming and traditional teachings.
Designed and delivered by First Nations communities to meet their unique needs, AHSOR focuses on early childhood development in a culturally appropriate manner, supporting the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of children.
Maureen Black, FNHA AHSOR advisor in the Vancouver Coastal Region, works alongside the Kitasoo Xai’xais Child Care Centre to support program planning, resource sharing and community-led approaches that reflect local priorities.
Recently, members of the FNHA team visited the centre to learn more about its work and positive impacts in the community.
Kitasoo Xai’xais First Nation is situated on the central coast of BC in the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest. In July and August, the centre operates the Summer Bears program, a land-based learning initiative for children aged two to six. This program not only instills a love of the outdoors for the children but also shares valuable teachings about stewardship of the land.
“We teach the children that when we take care of the land, the land takes care of us,” said Trina Titus, director of the Kitasoo Xai’xais Child Care Centre Lil’ Cubs Head Start program.
One of the key aspects of the program is “Learning on the Land,” which helps children deepen their connection to their territory through traditional practices, community knowledge and storytelling.
“We have been really enjoying Learning on the Land and having plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful territories we live in,” said Trina.
“The children have had several fishing trips where we not only caught fish, but where we got to see whales, porpoises, eagles and ravens in their natural habitat.”
The children were eager to share their exciting experiences with FNHA staff.
Six year-old Gianna, pictured in pink pants, caught her first fish this summer which she described as “slimy.”
“I felt it wriggling, then I started reeling fast, I kept reeling, then I went slowly so it didn’t get away. Dad helped me bonk it,” she said.
The Kitasoo Xai’xais Child Care Centre exemplifies how community-led AHSOR programming helps children build confidence, cultural identity and a lifelong connection to learning.
We thank the Kitasoo Xai’xais for opening their doors to our team and for sharing their good work with us. We look forward to hearing more stories of children exploring the land and deepening their connection to culture and community.