Free events help children and parents connect through outdoor activities

At the Little Badgers Early Learning Centre in Windermere, families have found a supportive environment for their children, thanks to the Eva Joseph Learning and Cultural Society.

With support from Columbia Basin Trust, the society expanded its reach through the Thriving Families initiative—offering free community events that brought children, parents and youth together across the Columbia Valley.

Starting in winter 2023 and continuing to fall 2024, Thriving Families included a wide range of activities such as family fishing days, parent and tot hikes, Indigenous youth nights, and hot chocolate stations at the Invermere Snowflake Festival. The goal was to create opportunities for families to connect, be active and explore the outdoors together.

ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation member Theresa Kains participated in several of the activities with her two young children. She especially valued the parent and tot hikes.

“It got me out of the house and being active with the kids for zero cost, which was awesome, and got us out on the land on trails I never even knew about,” she said. “It gave me an opportunity to explore with my children, not by myself but with a group. That helped me feel safe as a small woman with two small children.”

The program not only encouraged outdoor activity but also fostered new friendships. “I didn’t have to be the planner,” Kains added. “The opportunity was presented, and I took it.”

The parent and tot sessions alone saw about 815 participants, reflecting the community’s desire for accessible, family-friendly activities.

Delivering so many opportunities required strong collaboration. “It was a big project,” said Executive Director Carrie Rickards. “Our team is already busy, so we had to reach out and ask for help from other people.”

The society partnered with local organizations, including Serenity Farms, Columbia Valley Recreation Centre, Valley Sports Hub and Black Star Studios, to ensure each activity was engaging and well-supported.

Rickards appreciates the support from the Trust, which partners with Indigenous groups and others to improve well-being in the Basin, including through healthy childhood development. “We definitely needed the Trust’s support to create these gatherings where families could build relationships and support systems,” she said.

“They helped address the needs of the whole family, and the feedback has been amazing.”

For many, the impact of Thriving Families continues beyond the events themselves. Some families with younger children have inquired about Little Badgers’ child care programs, while others have formed lasting friendships.

“The Thriving Families events had a huge impact on me personally,” Kains reflects. “By enabling us to be active together, they provided relationship building with my children. I also enjoyed the company of other parents; it’s nice to be around others in the same stage of life and know I’m not alone in my parenting journey.”

Lead image: ʔakisq̓nuk First Nation’s Little Badgers Early Learning Centre staff collaborated with other local organizations to help deliver activities and events through the Thriving Families initiative. Columbia Basin Trust photos

Columbia Basin Trust

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