Early childhood educators, daycare workers, managers, supervisors, and daycare cooks from across Vancouver Island gathered on Snuneymuxw territory for the second Island-wide Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) Regional Training. Hosted at the Coast Bastion Hotel, the gathering brought together participants representing Coast Salish, Kwakwaka'wakw, and Nuu-chah-nulth Nations.
Over two days, attendees strengthened their skills, shared experiences, and deepened connections grounded in supporting children and families. The event opened with a territorial welcome and prayer from Snuneymuxw Elder Sandra Good, offering a moment of gratitude and grounding to begin the learning journey.
Day one: Building skills and relationships
The first day featured workshops focused on practical, compassionate approaches to early childhood learning and care. Sessions explored strategies for supporting children with challenging behaviours, trauma-informed approaches to grief and loss, emergency preparedness, and the role of nutrition in supporting early childhood learning and well-being.
Early childhood educator Erin Waddell emphasized the foundational role of relationships and self-regulation, reminding participants: “Every human's greatest need is relationship. Challenging behaviour isn't a child problem; it's the human condition."
Her message resonated strongly with educators who said they struggle with navigating increasingly complex needs in early learning environments.
The day closed with a joyful performance by the Snuneymuxw Children's Performance Group, Qwam Qwum Stuwixwulh. As women sang and children danced, the room filled with smiles and warmth, an uplifting reminder of the importance of culture, community and celebration in early childhood spaces.
Day two: Hands-on learning and cultural connection
The second day offered both shared and role-specific learning, including experiential workshops and hands-on activities for daycare workers and cooks. Presentations by Qwustenuxun (Jared Williams) from Quw'utsun Nation and FNHA's Jen Cody explored ways to integrate culture into cooking and support children in moving from “Picky Eaters to Curious Tasters" within AHSOR programs.
“Fear and anxiety is part of most picky eating and that's why food play is so powerful!" said Jen. “It gets your child interacting with food without completely freaking them out."
Jen's message highlighted how emotional safety and playful exploration can transform children's relationships with food.
The gathering closed in a circle with the Rhythm of Life Society, where shared drumming, laughter and connection brought participants together in a final grounding moment.
Reflecting on the two-day training, participants shared that there was meaningful learning, strengthened connections, and renewed energy for their work, reaffirming the vital role AHSOR plays in supporting children, families, and communities.
To learn more about AHSOR, visit our webpage: Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve
