Pathways | Ayás Mén̓men Child and Family Services for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

Ayás Mén̓men Child and Family Services for Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

Caregiver Support, Child Services, Family / Parenting, Indigenous Services, and Youth Services

Provided by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish First Nation)

Squamish Nation improves well-being for families in the community by offering holistic wellness through elements like balanced nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness practices, mental well-being, and nurturing relationships in a caring and supportive environment.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) supports members and growth within the community through four Divisions. The following programs are part of the People Services Division - Nexwnínlhewá7nem Ch'áwch’aw. Ayás Mén̓men offers holistic supports for prenatal, early years, youth, families, and community. The department supports family capacity-building to help families take responsibility to care for each other, assists families with advocacy, emotional support through crisis, and prevention so that Nation Members are able to support and empower one another. The following programs are offered through Ayás Mén̓men:

Prevention & Youth Services: Through life-changing programs, community-based services, and relationships with peers and caring adults, Ayás Mén̓men Youth Services can help children and youth develop the skills and connections they need to be healthy contributing adults. Programming offered at the Youth Centre which is open Monday to Saturday from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM at 100A Capilano Road in North Vancouver
Shewaynewas Family Program: Organizes year-round programs aimed at helping parents acquire skills related to lifespan development, understanding family dynamics, recognizing developmental milestones, promoting health and nutrition, and providing opportunities to learn about Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language, culture, social and family traditions. These include: es7á7tsiwen (Prenatal Program); sḵáḵel (Infant/Parent Education Program); s7íx̱walh (Toddler/Parent Education Program); Aboriginal Infant Development; Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy; Psychological services/assessments; and Circle of Security Program
Nexwniwnitway (Family Circle Program): Aims to enhance the community's well-being by enabling and empowering families to advocate for themselves in child and family matters. Welcomes referrals for family circles from Nation Members and service providers, addressing various concerns related to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh children and families.
Family Support Services & Family Preservation: Families are provided with information on how to navigate Sḵwx̱wú7mesh services, address potential child safety concerns, and outline family wellness and reunification programs to assist members throughout their journey.
Guardianship Services: The team focuses on the well-being of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh children and youth who have entered care. This is done by collaborating closely with families to ensure that children maintain their connections to family, culture, and community.
Jordan's Principle: Under Jordan’s Principle, First Nations youth and children aged 19 and under can access products, services, and supports they need, when they need them. These include health aids or services; education supplies and supports; and social-related resources such as social workers and respite care. There are some exceptions for youth over 19, so please check with the representative.
Childcare/Caregiver Resource Team: The team works with families to provide, support, and monitor placements for children under the care of Ayás Mén̓men, with a focus on preserving their connection to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture and family. This includes caregiver training and providing a path back home as needed.
Ayás Chap Wellness Team: Therapeutic services are offered to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh community members including traditional and cultural wellness supports; counselling for children, parents and families; therapeutic and wellness groups; and community events that promote healing and wellness.
S7ílhen Food Pantry & Community Soup Nights: A community pantry is maintained for those experiencing emergency food need, and is open 2-3 days a week, and weekly community soup nights are regularly scheduled Please contact the team for more information by email.

604-985-4111 (Ayás Mén̓men)

Public email: ayasmenmen_reception@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

#2, 380 Welch Street, West Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 0A7

604-985-4111 (Ayás Chap Wellness Team)

Public email: amm_wellness@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

604-396-1721 (Prevention & Youth Services)

Public email: Autumn_Juanicotena-Heal@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

Squamish Nation Youth Centre - 100A Capilano Road, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 3C1

Alternative Contact is Gloria Sun (C) 236-788-0615 or gloria_sun@squamish.net
Hours of Operation are Monday to Saturday from 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

604-985-7826 (Shewaynewas Family Program)

Public email: Alice_Baker@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

604-985-41111 Nexwniwnitway Family Circle Program)

Public email: Fawnda_Bullshields@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

Alternative Contact is Brandi Bailey at Brandi_Bailey@squamish.net

604-985-4111 (Family Support & Preservation Services)

Public email: Jared_Vansomer@squamish.net

Website: https://www.squamish.net/divisions...

604-985-4111 (Guardianship Services)

Public email: KellyAnne_Samuel@squamish.net