Membership Services Programs
Ha’Sa’ Program
The Ha’Sa’ Program or ‘Breath of Our Elders’ is a three year government program designed to enhance cultural and language activities within the Fort Rupert Community of the Kwakiutl Band. Headed by a Coordinator, the program currently offers language instruction to adults in the community. It also sponsors community events that focus on the culture and traditions of the Kwakiutl people. It encourages the practice of traditional activities such as smoking fish and the use of traditional foods.
HEADStart Infant Development Program
The BC Aboriginal Head Start Program is a holistic, community-based, early intervention program whose goal is to enhance the school readiness and overall health and wellness of First Nations children aged 0-6; which ultimately promotes self-confidence and success in the future.
More information and Contacts.
Kwigwis Daycare
The Band operates a fully accredited and licensed daycare facility. Located in Fort Rupert, the Kwigwis Daycare is housed in a modern and fully-equipped facility, including a play area with age appropriate playground equipment. The Daycare offers fully qualified staff and is open to parents living both within Fort Rupert and outside the community.
Contact Information
Daycare Supervisor:
Betty-Jean Dziekan
250-949-9015
kwigwis@island.net
Social Housing Program
The Social Housing Program administers the Band’s social housing in Fort Rupert. It is responsible for determining rental amounts and ensuring that rents are collected in a timely manner. The Social Housing Program is headed by the Social Housing Coordinator who is responsible for the completion of reports as required by funding agencies. The Coordinator works closely with the Band’s Housing and Capital Manager to ensure that the Band’s social housing is properly managed and maintained.
Contact Information
Social Housing Coordinator:
Helen Wilson
250-949-6012 (Extension 222)
housing@kwakiutl.bc.ca
Membership Program
The Band’s Membership Clerk is responsible for the provision of membership services to Kwakiutl Band members. The Clerk processes requests for status cards, as well as transfers in and out of the Band. The Clerk also maintains and updates the Band membership list as required.
Contact Information
Membership Clerk:
Helen Wilson
250-949-6012
membership@kwakiutl.bc.ca
Homework Club
The Band’s Education Program offers the services of a Homework Club to students attending school in Port Hardy. This program operates during the school year and is an after school program housed in the Band’s administration building. Individualized assistance is provided by a tutor. Students also have access to computers to assist them with their school work.
Contact Information
Tutor:
Shari Ogren
250-949-6012 (Extension 236)
education-ref@kwakiutl.bc.ca
WAGALUS SCHOOL___________________________________________
The Band operates a kindergarten to grade four school in Fort Rupert. Professionally staffed, the school offers a fully accredited course of instruction, with an excellent student teacher ratio. The school offers language instruction as well as other culturally related programming in addition to the regular BC curriculum.
Contact Information
Head Teacher:
Karen Aoki
250-949-6019
wagalus@cablerocket.com