Due to Covid-19 the Fraser River Indigenous Society offices open with appointments. We are modifying our programs during these times
FRASER RIVER
INDIGENOUS SOCIETY
indigenous
Early Years
Programs
GROWING + LEARNING
Welcome to our Early Years programs for Indigenous children aged 0-19 and their caregivers, who reside in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows area.
Our programs are delivered in community or in a family home setting.
We believe in the potential of every child, and we know that each child is unique. We work together with families to recognize each child’s strengths and develop their abilities.
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If children grow up with a sense of belonging, they can keep their cultures vital and restore their communities.
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THE STORY BEHIND THE EARLY YEARS LOGO
The logo is rooted in Indigenous connectivity and culture. This unique territory is embraced as the Golden Ears mountain range provides the backdrop with the local bridges connecting all communities together. The seven sacred teachings are highlighted in the moon cycle along with the seven trees that outline the frame. The organic form of the Fraser River leads the eye to an Inter-generational family consisting of the four colours of the Medicine Wheel, wearing blankets that represent the local territories; Katzie/Kwantlen, Prairie First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities that reside in the area. Together, this will become a gathering place where all Nations can come together to share, teach, and support each other in a welcoming environment.
FRIS is pleased to collaborate with Destiny Swiderski on the Early Years Logo. Destiny is a Vancouver Island-based Métis interdisciplinary architectural/graphic designer, public artist, painter, and educator. Her Cree and Ukrainian descent give her inspiration as she questions how her two cultures can intersect in a new perspective. Her artistic practice focuses on Vancouver Island narratives of Indigenous biology, architecture, and ideas around place-making.
Destiny Swiderski
Artist/Designer
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.
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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
Story Blanket
Early Years drop-In
Ages (0-6 years)
The Story Blanket drop-in program is a free Indigenous playgroup for children aged 0 - 6. All are welcome. The parent/caregiver participation playgroup consists of free play, circle time, crafts, drumming, cultural teachings with Elders and nutritious snack. Click MORE INFO for the Calendar.
Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP)
Ages (0-5 years)
Our Aboriginal Infant Development Consultants (AIDP) provide services to support First Nations, Métis and Inuit families with infants/children who are at risk, or have developmental delays, to reach their full potential, through a strength-based, holistic and culturally responsive approach.
Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD)
Ages (0- up to 19 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.
Indigenous Child Resource Navigator (ICRN)
Ages (0- up to19 years)
Our ICRN Guide provides support and will be a primary contact for First Nations, Métis and Inuit families with children and youth with support needs from birth up to 19 years residing in Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge or as requested from Katzie First Nation members. The ICRN Guide will support them to access needed ICRN programs and services.
Indigenous Early Years programs
manager
GLENDA MORIN
Glenda brings over 20 years of experience in the Early Years field and carries a deep commitment to supporting children, youth, and their families. She has been with the organization for several years, contributing her knowledge in child development, family support, and community engagement.
Rooted in her Métis, Algonquin/French, and Polish heritage, Glenda’s work is guided by values of respect, relationality, and lifelong learning. She believes in the strength of community and the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces for all families.
Glenda finds inspiration in the resilience of the families she works with and is grateful to be learning alongside the Elders, knowledge keepers, and community partners in Ridge Meadows.
CHILDREN ARE A GIFT FROM THE CREATOR
If children grow up with a sense of belonging, they can keep their cultures vital and restore their communities.
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We honour our responsibility to share the strength and resilience of our Indigenous way of being by providing services and programs for our community to acknowledge our past, present, and future generations.
children are our future
"We have been caring for our children since time immemorial. The teachings of our values, principles, and ways of being to the children and youth have ensured our existence as communities, nations, and peoples. The values of our people have ensured our existence. It is to the children that these values are passed. The children are our future and our survival."
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-Shuswap Elder Mary Thomas
STORY BLANKET
The significance of the blanket in Indigenous communities- they are used to honour individual life changing events, to offer in gift-giving ceremonies, to serve as a record of a significant event, or to provide protection.
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A BLANKET HOLDS SIGNIFICANT MEANING
It is a symbol of warmth and friendship. The action of wrapping someone in a blanket is a real statement of kindness and a demonstration of honor. In Native American traditions a blanket is used to create and seal relationships.
Indigenous Early Years program STAFF
Kristin
Nathalie
Nicole
Indigenous Infant & Child
Development Consultant
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Indigenous Infant & Child
Development Consultant
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Indigenous Child Resource
Navigator​
Kristin is Tyendinaga Mohawk originally from south-western Ontario who has called BC home for 16 years. She brings with her diversity in both education and experience. Kristin is the mother of two wonderfully curious and adventurous children who bring joy to her life. Her combination of work and life experiences offer a unique and trauma informed perspective that allows her to offer support to guide and grow our Indigenous community. In her spare time, Kristin is most likely to be found near water or hiking the beautiful mountains with her children.
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Hi, I’m Nathalie — a proud mom of two boys and one wagging tail! With over 18 years of experience working with children, I’ve dedicated my life to nurturing young minds and supporting families. I deeply believe that every child is unique, special, and deserving of an environment that honors their individuality.
I bring a strong foundation in child development, and I’m both a certified Primary Montessori Teacher and a licensed Early Childhood Educator (ECE) and Infant-Toddler (IT) teacher. My approach is rooted in respect, patience, and a passion for helping each child grow at their own pace, in their own way.
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It is an honour to walk alongside and support Indigenous families on the traditional and unceded territories of the Katzie and Kwantlen First Nations.
Hello! My name is Nicole Kiniski and I am the Indigenous Child Resource Navigator (ICRN) at Fraser River Indigenous Society (FRIS).
My role is to support Indigenous children and youth (0-19 years) who may need additional support with accessing programs and services.
Here are a few other ways I can support you:
- Assist with finding appropriate programs, services, and supports for your child.
-Assist with finding and applying for funding for special needs equipment
-Assistance with obtaining status and citizenship (First Nations, Metis and Inuit)
-Assistance with applying for funding (Jordan’s Principle, Childcare Benefit/Métis Childcare Benefit, etc)
-Advocacy and support at medical appointments
-Advocacy and support in obtaining childcare, school transitions and education planning meetings
For more information or referral information, visit:
https://www.frisociety.ca/acysn
OR email the Early Years Manager at eymanager@frisociety.ca
many voices one mind
Many Voices, One Mind (formally known as The Fraser Region Aboriginal ECD Network) is a non-profit network of Indigenous Early Childhood Development service providers from across the Fraser Region.
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Our vision is to focus the strength and wisdom of our communities to create supports for Indigenous Early Childhood Development (IECD). We are a model for other IECD networks, demonstrating how to work together, blending traditional values and current expertise to improve services to children and families.
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Our Mission is to provide leadership in the creation of unique, culturally responsive Indigenous Early Childhood Development (IECD) resources and experiential learning opportunities. We support others to enhance the ways they serve the IECD needs of children and families.