The Skeetchestn Social Development Department is committed to focus on Mental, Cultural, Spiritual and Physical Well-being when creating, managing and delivering programs, services and activities for Skeetchestn members and community members. It is our desire to inspire and encourage everyone in our community to practice healthy lifestyles by connecting culture, knowledge, and strengths.
Our team believes that each and every one has the ability to create the life they desire by aligning with their inner-self and taping into their infinite potential. We hope that the programs and services offered can assist you in creating a beautiful journey!
The Department provides the following Programs and Services:
We are a fully licensed childcare facility located within the Skeetchestn Community, with trained staff, ample space, tons of toys and learning activities, access to community gymnasium, outdoor playground, complete with a full meal program. we focus on guiding children through their developmental stepping stones in a fun, happy, and safe environment. All staff have clean criminal record checks, first aid training, and have obtained her Early Childhood Education Cerificate.
For more information contact: Rhea Hewitt (250) 373-2493 Ext. 233 or email: familycoach@skeetchestn.ca
Secwépemc traditional governance
Legal traditional values
Secwépemc stories
Secwépemctsín
Healing and family preservation
Secwépemc law regarding child welfare was revitalized and will be used as the overarching support to guide the Nation. The Law is based upon principles guided by our stories and our oral traditions, passed down for generations. The foundation of this law is the four pillars: language, culture, connection to land and laws, and healing.
A decolonized and culturally aware model will be designed and will account for intergenerational impacts and trauma inflicted on the Secwépemc peoples and how that may impact parenting struggles. Communities will develop policy and procedures that suits their community needs and gain fiscal arrangements that are sustainable, needs-based, and consistent. The end goal is to assert full jurisdiction over child and family services, facilitate healing and provide community support for all Secwépemc children and families.
for more information contact: Shirley Calhoun Email: stsmemelt@skeetchestn.ca or phone: 250-373-2492 Ext. 228
Objective: to financially assist those individuals who meet the criteria for income assistance under the AANDC Social Development policy guidelines. The Band Social Development Worker (BSDW) administers Income Assistance.
Pre-Application Package for Income Assistance (Click Here)
AANDC National First Nations Social Development Policy and Procedures (Administrated by SIB)
Community Volunteer Supplement Contract – Incentive Hours (Click here)
Person with persistent multiple barriers medical forms and chek list (Click here)
Work Opportunity Program forms for employers (Click here)
The Department also assist with Funeral Services Billing as per AANDC Funeral Costs Policy.
POLICY AVAILABLE ONLINE Funeral Costs AANDC (INAC) Policy
SKEETCHESTN FUNERAL DONATION POLICY
For more information contact Melody Ablitt , Employment and Assistance Worker at:
(250) 373-2493 ext. 213
financialaid@skeetchestn.ca
The Band Social Worker provides assistance in ensuring the safety and well-being of the Skeetchestn children on-reserve and off-reserve by supporting culturally appropriate prevention and protection practices. Also, the Band Social Worker offers counselling services, counselling referrals and other type of support and programs to individuals, families and groups, leading to enhance wellness which has a direct impact on the strength of families and community.
For more information contact Tabatta Butler ext.218 or Mia Dunbar ext, 231 at (250) 373-2493
socialworker@skeetchestn.ca
socdev@skeetchestn.ca
If you have a child protection concern, please call Secwepemc Child and Family Services at 250-314-9669 or 250-314-9669, if during work hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30).
Children and Youth Hotline call 250-310-1234. If after hours please call 1-800-663-9122.
Provides funding for medical travel according to the policies and mandates set by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) for status members living on-reserve. Upon advance request, the Patient Travel Clerk provides transportation to Kamloops bi-monthly for specialist’ appointments.
Patient Travel Claim Form (Click here)
FNHA Client Reimburesment Form (Click Here)
For more information contact Jennifer Camille (250) 373-2493 ext. 210
elders@skeetchestn.ca
Homemaking and personal care services (non-professional and non-medical) provided to Skeetchestn Elders (65+) who still reside at home. Services may include light housekeeping, meal programs, and social visits at home or in group setting. The Band Homemaker is also the Elders Coordinator who facilitates various activities throughout the year; BC Elders Gathering, Secwepemc Elders Council meeting, Elders Christmas Luncheon, visit to Museums and various field trips.
For more information contact Jennifer Camille (250) 373-2493 ext. 210
elders@skeetchestn.ca
The Recreation Youth Worker Cultural Coordinator develops and implement programs for our youth, adults, families and elders in the community via cultural and arts-based activities, indoor and outdoor sports/fitness activities, workshops, gatherings and celebrations. Our goal is to offer ongoing wellness activities and programs while keeping the Skeetchestn Culture and Traditions alive.
“Bring the Indian back into each one”!
Annually the Social Development Team hosts Various Community Events; Wellness Day, Halloween and Christmas parties, and partners with Secwépemc Child and Family Services and Q’wemtsin Health Society to host other great family and wellness events.
For more information contact Roxanne Jim @ (250) 373-2493 ext. 212
youthworker@skeetchestn.ca
Skeetchestn is proud to have a food forest and community gardens program that is ever expanding. The gardens provide access to medicinal plants, food for Skeetchestn Community School and the community, and the opportunity for hands-on learning and healing. Learn more about the gardens at https://tinyurl.com/y6a8vfaz By the end of this year, we plan to have an outdoor processing hub, community root cellar, the start of a market garden, and improved accessibility. The Food Sovereignty Community Liaison also coordinates workshops, guest speakers, training, fieldtrips, events, and other opportunities for community members to increase engagement with their food systems.
For more information contact Lisa Troy at 250-272-2493 ext. 227 foodgarden@Skeetchestn.ca
In partnership with Q’wemtsin Health Society, Skeetchestn is proud to have a Health Clinic on-reserve open 3 days/week: Tuesday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm. The Skeetchestn Health Clinic was established in partnership with the Q’wemtsín Health Society and the Skeetchestn Indian Band. It provides access to services to the Skeetchestn community members. For more information please click here http://qwemtsin.org/skeetchestn-health-clinic-2
The Q’wemtsín Health Society works with member communities to promote holistic health through provision of programs, services, and education.
For more information regarding programs and services or to give us some suggestions please contact the Skeetchestn Indain band (250) 373-2493 ext. 219
Additional programs, Band Funds:
Wellness and Recreation Band Fund (Policy and Procedure)
Extended Health Band Fund Policy
Extended Health Band Fund Claim Form