The Treasure Our Young Ones Childcare Centre, or ?iihmisuk taatna?is, held its official grand opening on Friday, May 26.
The centre has been in operation for about four months and enrollment has reached to 20 children. The centre, located next to the Port Alberni Friendship Centre on Fourth Avenue, can accommodate 50 children with rooms designated for infants, 2-5 year-olds and school aged children.
Each day children learn Nuu-chah-nulth language, traditions and culture.
“It’s important to take back language…take back culture, becasue it’s who we are,” said Cynthia Dick, Tseshaht First Nation chief councillor during the grand opening.
“I know that I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Haahuupayak School.”
Deb Foxcroft, president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council, said it is important as a Nuu-chah-nulth person to raise children with traditional teachings, culture and language.