Qualicum First Nation has been providing early years services to children and families since 2013.
Qualicum First Nation has been providing early years services to children and families since 2013 with the opening of a licensed group child care center. In 2016 they opened a licensed preschool program and in 2017, early years' programming and services grew with the creation of the Cultural Kit program and the offering of Aboriginal Speech Therapy services.
An after-school care program was opened in 2018, and an Aboriginal Head Start program in 2019. In 2020 the demand for the Culture kit program grew so much that services expanded to include programs from Nanaimo to Comox Valley. Qualicum First Nation is at the forefront of providing Aboriginal Early Years services in mid- Vancouver Island.
I am Tsimshian from the LaxKw'alaams First Nation. I have been an ECE for over 30 years having worked for the K’omoks First Nation, Aboriginal Head Start and owned my own child care centre. I began the Culture Kit Program nine years ago and in 2018 received the Prime Ministers Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.
I have been an elder for the Qualicum First Nation Culture Program for eight years. I bring my love of children and culture to my position. I enjoy coming into the classrooms to see and work with the children of our communities. I have three children of my own and eight grand children.
I'm a certified Early Childcare Educator with a passion for empowering young minds through education and exploration. My diverse background in digital media and First Nations studies has created space to learn the history of where I live, witnessing cultural teachings and local knowledge in my teaching practices.
I was born and raised on Vancouver Island and am part of the Heiltsuk Nation. As a resource creator, I prepare our conference and workshop materials. I enjoy working alongside the cultural educators in the classrooms and look forward to learning more as we expand our program.
As an early childhood educator, I bring with me 15 years of experience in child care and preschool. My favourite part of working with children is doing art! I love creating felt stories and sensory materials for children to explore.
Jenny Everett
I am an Early Childhood Educator with 20 years of experience working with children and families in a non-profit preschool setting. I am excited to begin my journey as a cultural educator and resource creator with Qualicum First Nation Culture Kit Program.
I have over 20 years of sewing experience and a passion for developing fun and educational resources for children. In 2009, I attended the Fine Arts Program at North Island College and, shortly after, began creating handmade felt children's toys for Etsy, and local craft fairs. I enjoy creating textile projects for the culture kits.
I am Tsimshian from the LaxKw'alaams First Nation and have a passion for creation and art. Graphic design and fabrication are the forefront of my tasks at Qualicum , as well as delivery of kits and classroom visits.
I am a motion designer, with a passion for graphic design, illustration and typography. I am excited to be creating video content for the Qualicum First Nation Culture Program.
At the Qualicum First Nation Culture Program, I care for the art department, making sure the children have the supplies they need and helping shape new, creative ideas. I bring heart and dedication into everything I do.
I am Coast Salish and a member of the Qualicum First Nation. I have years of experience working with children. I am excited to work as a cultural resource person for the Culture Kit Program.
I am Kwakwaka'wakw from Alert Bay, the Numgis band, as well as Mohawk and French. I have a lifetime of experience with plant medicines and traditional foods, in addition to completing my four year art apprenticeship at the Royal BC museum. I am a cultural educator and resource creator with Qualicum First Nation.
I am a retired nurse with a passion for quilting, garment sewing and fiber arts. Sewing has been a key part of my life and I am excited to be a part of this valuable program.
I am a certified Early Childhood Educator with a passion for art and creative expression. I enjoy creating children's resources that encourage exploration, imagination and play. I am looking forward to learning and growing alongside the amazing team as they expand the program.
Tyler is our conference coordinator, organizing the logistics for our May 2026 'We Learn from the Land' Early Years Conference. A proud member of the Hesquiaht Nation, Tyler brings a valuable background in coordinating employment and training workshops in rural Indigenous communities. He enjoys being part of the Culture Kit team here in Qualicum.
