indigenous
Early Years
Programs
program
goals

Our Indigenous early years program aims to create a community of healthy, happy, children supported to reach their full potential, and to encourage all children to begin a life long journey of learning within a culturally supportive and safe environment of high quality Early Childhood Development programs, services and supports.
We focus on traditional teachings, such as the Medicine Wheel (physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health) and the Seven Sacred Teachings (truth, honesty, courage, respect, wisdom, humility, and love). For more information contact our Early Years Program Manager : E: eymanager@frisociety.ca P: 604-458-0151
Indigenous early years programs
Our Story Blanket drop-in program is for Indigenous children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. The playgroup consists of free play, circle time, crafts, drumming, and a snack. A local Elder attends and provides traditional knowledge and support. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Please drop in, it is FREE! Click More Info for our 2021 Calendar.
Story Blanket
Early years drop-in
Ages (0-6 years))
Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP)
Ages (0-5 years)
Aboriginal Supported Child Development Consultants provides ASCD services to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit children and families to reach their full potential, through stength-based, holistic and culturally responsive approach to ensure they are included within their childcare, preschool or community care setting.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD)
Ages (0- up to 19 years)
Our Indigenous CYSN Guide provides support and will be a primary contact for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families with children and youth with special needs from birth up to 19 years residing in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or as requested from Katzie First Nation members. The CYSN Guide will support them to access needed CYSN programs and services.
Indigenous Child and Youth with Special Needs (ICYSN)
Ages (0- up to19 years)
Indigenous Early Years program STAFF

GLENDA MORIN
Indigenous Early Years Program Manager
Glenda was born and raised in Manitoba and is happy to call BC her home for close to 25 years. Glenda’s heritage is Métis, Algonquin (Quebec) and Polish. Glenda has a diverse background working in the travel and tourism industry to event and fundraising management. Her greatest passion is working with children, youth, and their families. She has been working in the Early Years field for over 20 years in mainstream and Indigenous communities as a preschool teacher, youth counselor on a cruise ship, coordinator in Aboriginal head start programs, and facilitated parent and children programs. Through these years she has attained a variety of education and experience as part of her professional development. Glenda looks forward to meeting the children, youth and their caregivers and working with local community elders to build a positive, caring and cultural working relationship.
children are our future
Indigenous Early Years program STAFF

Aboriginal/Indigenous Infant Development Consultant
Meghan was born and raised in Burnaby, BC. Her ancestors are European, Chinese, and Coast Salish from the Sunshine Coast. Meghan obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from Douglas College and has experience working with children, youth, and adults across the Lower Mainland. Meghan believes each child is a gift and takes pride in her role as an Aboriginal/Indigenous Infant Development Consultant. Fun Fact about Meghan: She took competitive dance for 15 years, with focus on ballet and did a performance at Disneyland!
Meghan rae

Aboriginal/Indigenous Supported Child Development Consultant
Natasha was born and raised in Vancouver and is happy to call North Vancouver her home. Natasha completed her Early Childhood Education at Langara College in 2013. Throughout her ECE career Natasha has worked with infants, toddlers and preschool aged children of all abilities. She is also enrolled in the Community Licensing Program offered at the Justice Institute of British Columbia to further her knowledge of licensed facilities and how they operate. Her greatest passion is working with children, and helping children strive. Natasha is looking forward to getting to know everyone and building new meaningful relationships in the community. Fun Fact about Natasha: She has picked up a new hobby of downhill skiing this year and attends ski lessons every Monday evening!
natasha dempsey

Indigenous ECE Coordinator
(Early Years)
Kathleen was raised in North Western Ontario and moved to BC as a teenager. Her adult life and career have been dedicated to Early Childhood Early Learning and Care. She graduated from Douglas College in 2003 with her ECE diploma, specializing in Special Needs. Having been raised in a family that nurtured the development of children with special needs, Kathleen developed her appreciation for all the gifts children bring to the community. Supporting children and families is woven into all aspects of Kathleen’s life. A parent and caregiver herself, she recognizes the value of connecting family, Elders and community. Kathleen is passionate about connecting children to culture and land.