Words Ashley Morris
On the evening of December 12, NIȽ TU,O Child and Family Services Society (NIȽ TU,O) hosted a lively holiday dinner, bringing joy, cheer and a bit of holiday magic to the community.
NIȽ TU,O is a Coast-Salish-Led organization helping Coast Salish children and families stay connected to community and culture through culturally-safe Family Strengthening Programs and Support Services. NIȽ TU,O currently serves SC’IȺNEW̱, Pauquachin, W̱JOȽEȽP, Songhees, Tsawout, Tseycum and T’Sou-ke.
Every December, NIȽ TU,O celebrates the culmination of another successful year of service with a holiday dinner for the families they work with. The annual event is an opportunity for attendees to enjoy merriment during this special time of year as well as a reminder of the power of community and the importance of keeping Coast Salish children and youth together, all year long.
This year’s holiday dinner marked the successful completion of NIȽ TU,O’s 28th year of service. Over 200 people – including Elders, NIȽ TU,O ŚW̱ELO₭E (NIȽ TU,O staff), and the families served by NIȽ TU,O and their guests – came together in a room adorned with holiday decorations and a glimmering Christmas tree to celebrate.
A full turkey dinner and cake were served, and themed activities were available all evening including holiday cookie decorating, a corn hole game, and giant versions of Connect 4 and Jenga, to make the event enjoyable for all. Santa, his elves and even the Grinch made the event memorable for attendees of all ages. At the end of the night, families left with a gift bag full of sweet, festive treats.
This event was made possible thanks to the efforts of NIȽ TU,O ŚW̱ELO₭E who collaborated over the course of several months to make sure everything would be just right. Together, they created a festive space, served a nourishing meal cooked by one of our community members, and dreamed up activities that would put everyone in the holiday spirit.
The annual holiday dinner is one of the many ways NIȽ TU,O helps make the holiday season bright for Coast Salish children, youth and families. Throughout the month of December, NIȽ TU,O hosts several events, including Community Lunch and Crafts and Culture Nights where attendees decorate cookies, create Christmas buttons and make gingerbread houses.
NIȽ TU,O also continues its annual holiday hamper delivery, providing hampers full of nourishing food, special treats, and thoughtfully chosen items to families who were supported by a NIȽ TU,O ŚTEṈISTEL (Family Support Worker) in 2025.
NIȽ TU,O is grateful to everyone who helped make NIȽ TU,O’s 28th year a success, and to each person who helped celebrate by attending NIȽ TU,O’s holiday dinner and events throughout December. NIȽ TU,O looks forward to embarking on another year of service in 2026, and to coming together as a community for many more celebrations full of laughter, connection and cheer.
To stay up to date on NIȽ TU,O’s work helping Coast Salish children and families stay connected to community and culture – and to receive notifications of upcoming
NIȽ TU,O events – be sure to sign up for the newsletter at www.niltuo.ca/newsletter/.
