by Katharina Stocker | photos courtesy NIȽ TU,O Child & Family Services –
NIȽ TU,O’s mission is to provide services based on the SNEPENEḴ (teaching) of our SELW ȺN (Elders), coming from the perspective of NUTSUMAT SHQWALUWUN (working together with one mind). And when it comes to building community and celebrating together, there is no time of year this is more evident than the holidays!
This year, NIȽ TU,O staff are happy to carry on the tradition of Christmas celebrations. Children and families supported by NIȽ TU,O’s Guardianship, Caregiver, or Youth Agreement services are in for a spectacular holiday season packed with traditional crafts, delicious food cooked by a local Coast Salish Caterer, and fun games.
NIL TU,O staff collaborate to put up a large decorated tree, and decorate all the tables with tablecloths and flower arrangements. They also create a place for Santa and the elves to sit, and arrange the inflatable characters around the room. They set up tables so the children can decorate cookies, make tree decorations and other crafts to ensure children and youth will be delighted by the joy of the season when they walk through the doors of their annual Christmas party. There is also a Christmas-themed photo booth for all the guests to take fun group photos and take home a photo of the fun evening.
If previous years are any indicator, guests will meet in a beautifully transformed local community gathering place, where all NIȽ TU,O staff will have created an atmosphere that captures the very essence of Christmas. And after engaging in activities, guests sit down and whichever table sings a Christmas song is the first to serve themselves. Guests visit with each other over a turkey feast with all the trimmings. After dinner, Santa and his elves will make their appearance to bring joy, photo opportunities and meaningful gifts for every child in attendance. Children and youth leave with a full tummy and a smile on their face.
NIȽ TU,O’s tradition of giving out Christmas hampers will continue with plans of distributing a total of 75 Christmas hampers brimming with goodies and festive food to Coast Salish children and families who have been working with a Family Support Worker (FSW). Through doing this, NIȽ TU,O offers vital support that makes sure that every family can embrace the holidays to their fullest potential. From hampers to a Christmas feast and gifts, this year’s NIȽ TU,O Christmas is sure to be just as unforgettable as previous years. This party is a vital example of the many events NIȽ TU,O puts on each year to actualize the vision and turn the mission into reality. By all working together, (NUTSUMAT SHQWALUWUN) Coast Salish families from the seven communities we serve can experience a bright and happy holiday and the joy of togetherness. To learn more about the mission and NIȽ TU,O services, visit www.niltuo.ca.
