It’s time to welcome all Tla’amin babies born in 2024

Baby Welcoming Ceremony on November 7 is part of the Tla’amin General Assembly

Tla’amin will host a Baby Welcoming Ceremony for all babies born in 2024 at the Fall General Assembly. The ceremony will be the central work during the Friday November 7th Assembly Feast happening from 5:30-8:30 PM.

“Welcoming babies is a special ceremony for our whole community to witness,” said hegus John Hackett. “It’s our way of honouring not only the new little ones but also their parents and caregivers, who carry the sacred work of raising the next generation.”

The ceremony includes a brushing for caregivers and children and standing up each family and new baby in front of the community, providing a certificate, gift and keepsake. Songs will be shared to cover the work in good feelings and intentions.

Ryan Pielle, Child and Family Services Manager is the speaker for the event and is honoured to welcome Tla’amin babies and children to our community.

He says “Our čičyɛ Circle always says that our children are a gift from the Creator. A gift that we must take care of the best ways we know how. This is an obligation that all Tla’amin people have, not only the parents. Welcoming our new members is step one in that obligation as a community.”

Doreen Hopkins Health Promotions Coordinator is working to prepare families for the ceremony. She is the central point of contact for blankets and regalia making questions and can be reached at Doreen.hopkins@tn-bc.ca

Families are asked to RSVP for the ceremony to Doreen.hopkins@tn-bc.ca before October 31.