The Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve (AHSOR) is a program that supports activities focused on early childhood learning and development for First Nations children from birth to age six and their families.

The goal of the program is to support activities that are designed and delivered by First Nations communities to meet their unique needs and priorities.

Early life is critical to lifelong health. AHSOR focuses on early childhood development, in a culturally appropriate manner, to support the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of a child. AHSOR supports and encourages children in enjoying life-long learning, and supports parents, guardians and extended family members as the primary teachers.

WHEN: Every Wednesday at 10:15 am – 12:00 pm, from September – June. Lunch provided.

The Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is an early childhood tooth decay prevention program aimed at children aged 0 to 7, their caregivers and pregnant women living on-reserve or accessing on-reserve resources.

The goal of the initiative is to improve oral health and well-being. COHI aims promote a lifetime of oral health by preventing tooth decay, treating and restoring teeth that already have tooth decay, improving oral health knowledge, changing oral health–related behaviours and reducing the number of First Nations children that require general anesthesia for dental surgeries.

WHEN: One Wednesday per month

This program is available for Tsartlip parents who are expecting or have children under 12 months old. This service provides at-home milk delivery and a monthly grocery card for a local store.

Expecting parents can contact Liz Peterson.

THE Family Garden Program provides seasonal gardening support for our Tsartlip Families. The Tsartlip Garden Facebook page offers a way to ask questions, share ideas and to offer resources to our gardening households.

If you are looking for seeds, soil or gardening supplies please contact Liz Peterson.

The Brighter Futures program is a community-based health promotion and ill-health prevention program for First Nations communities. The program typically, promotes health and prevents illness through learning-related activities that strive to increase awareness, change attitudes, build knowledge and enhance skills.

WHEN: Every Thursday at 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, from September – June.
Meal provided.

The Doulas for Aboriginal Families Grant Program (DAFGP) is offered by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, First Nations Health Authority, and the BC Ministry of Health. The goal of the program is to increase healthy birth outcomes for Indigenous families by removing the cost barrier to accessing doula services.

For more information, please visit their website.

Tsartlip has partnered with Victoria Speech and Language centre to offer speech and language therapy to children and youth 18 years old and under. Speech language pathologist are professional who have training and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating a wide range of speech, language, and communication challenges.

When: Every Wednesday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

NIȽ TU,O Offers Family Strengthening Programs and Services For Tsartlip Children, Youth & Families.

NIȽ TU,O provides delegated work such as C3 – Recruitment and Resources (for finding Caregivers for our children in care) and C4 – Guardianship (for Coast Salish children that have been transferred from MCFD to NIȽ TU,O for Guardianship by our Social Workers).

NIȽ TU,O also provides non-delegated work through Family Support Workers who go out when there has been a report made to MCFD. Family Support workers attend to provide support for the family. The families can then access programs and services and Voluntary Support Services while they are navigating through crisis and managing involvement with MCFD. Regardless of the situation, the support provided is non-judgemental and confidential.

For more information, please visit the NIȽ TU,O page.

The Jordans Principle program is in place to enhance the well-being of Tsartlip children and families by fostering a supportive environment, facility meaningful experiences, and contributing to overall community wellness. The Jordans Principle coordinator provides support to the community by guiding members through the application process, ensuring access to necessary resources and equitable service delivery.

Contact Tsartlip Health Centre at 250-652-4473

Tsartlip has partnered with Victoria Speech and Language Centre to offer occupational therapy services to children and youth 17 years old and under. Occupational therapists are trained professionals who have experience helping to improve fine and gross motor skills, executive functioning skills, self-regulation, sensory processing, and social-emotional skills.

When: Every Wednesday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

The Youth department is responsible for creating all youth program activities such as:

• Recreation
• Prevention
• Intervention
• Summer student employment and summer camps

We also work with community members, governments, external agencies and other organizations that would provide the opportunity for the Youth Department to network and offer services to youth and families.