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Qualicum First Nation has been providing early years services to children and families since 2013.

Aboriginal First Nations large eye carving wood

A History of Early Years Services
Provided by Qualicum First Nation

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.

Meet Our Staff

Pam Moore

I am Tsimshian from the LaxKw'alaams First Nation. I have been and 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.

Staff photo of Pam Moore

Staff photo of Judy Edwards

Judy Edwards

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.

Barbara Schneider

I have been working with children and families as an early childhood educator for over 22 years. I have a passion for creating immersive educational experiences for young children. I look forward to seeing the many centers and visiting the children in our communities.

Staff photo of Barbara Schneider

Staff photo of Taryn Wilde

Taryn graham

I am a certified Early Childhood Education Assistant and am currently working towards my full Early Childhood Education certification. I have worked for Qualicum First Nation for four years, and, prior to that, I worked at Aboriginal Head Start for eight years. I strive to bring my creativeness and love for sewing into our culture program.

Andrea Meadows

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.

Staff photo of Odette Herr

Staff photo of Elizabeth Kawahara

Elizabeth Kawahara

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.

Cayla Grubisich

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.

Colleen Burke

Dylan Moore

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.

Kraig gallivan

Certified teacher and professional photographer / videographer, with a passion for education and media production. I have created video documentaries, music, and explored animation. At the Qualicum First Nation Culture Program I develop videos and photo media for online platforms and culture kits. Working with Qualicum First Nation is a dream come true.

Dawn Weir

I am blessed to live work on my native land of Qualicum First Nation. As the Resource Coordinator I maintain and stock the numerous art projects in our kits.

Margaret Edwards

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.

Stacy Whonnock

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.