Tla’amin will welcome babies born between 2018 and 2023 at Fall General Assembly.
RSVP by September 27 to be part of the work.
Tla’amin will host a Baby Welcoming Ceremony for all Tla’amin babies born in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 at the Fall General Assembly. The ceremony will be the central work during the Friday October 18th Assembly Feast happening from 5:30-8:30 PM.
Hegus John Hackett says he is excited to meet all the new Tla’amin’s from near and far. “We are blessed in a small community to watch and be a part of our kids’ lives right from birth, creating a strong support network for them wherever their lives take them. This ceremony is an important part of creating that initial connection between our families and the new Tla’amin’s.”
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.
“There is a lot of catch up to do,” said Health Promotions Coordinator Dawna Pallen who usually hosts these ceremonies annually. “Covid put a stop to it, and we never really got back on track. It’s important that each new baby get their introduction to the community and a proper welcoming, so I hope that we get a great turnout.”
Pallen encourages families to come out and make a simple button blanket for their children. Regalia making will happen every Wednesday during prenatal class from 11am-2pm except September 25.
Ryan Pielle, Child and Family Services Manager will host the event and is honoured to welcome Tla’amin babies and children to our community. He says “As adults, our most sacred responsibility is to take care of the children within our families and communities. This responsibility starts with welcoming them in and I’m excited to be able to help do this.”
If your family lives off-lands and does not have access to regalia making supplies, please call Dawna Pallen at (778) 657-5919 or email Dawna.Pallen@tn-bc.ca and the Nation can help out.
Families are asked to RSVP for the ceremony to Dawna.Pallen@tn-bc.ca before September 27. Registration for the General Assembly goes live today (September 9) at 4:00 PM.