Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program provides two half-day sessions four days a week that prepare Indigenous children for their school years by meeting their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical needs. They provide programming in six core areas: education and school readiness, Indigenous culture and language, parental involvement, health promotion, nutrition, and social support. Thus, it is an essential consideration to involve Elders for early learning programs in the Qwallayuw Head Start Preschool Program when developing programming. Elders, like Sophia Hansen, are very important members of the Laichwiltach Family Life Society. The term ‘Elder’ refers to someone who has attained a high degree of understanding of First Nation history, teachings, ceremonies, and language. Elders have earned the right to pass this knowledge on to others and to give advice and guidance on personal issues, as well as on issues affecting their communities and nations. It is also important to work collaboratively with the Elder in understanding the specific teachings and beliefs for the Laichwiltach Family Life Society as it relates to Kwakwala/Likwala language.
