ʔumʔiiqsu (Oomiiqsu) Child Care Centre

ʔumʔiiqsu (pronounced Oomiiqsu, meaning Mother Centre) Child Care Centre is located  on the unceded, shared territories of the c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) and Hupačasath (Hupacasath) First Nations, in Port Alberni. 

Opened on January 4, 2025, the Centre is hosted by Huu-ay-aht First Nations and offers a safe, nurturing, and culturally grounded environment for children and families. It is a vital part of the ʔumʔiiqsu Centre, which also provides comprehensive services to Indigenous mothers and children.

Our program is committed to fostering a nurturing, culturally centered, and supportive environment where children and mothers can thrive. We aim to create a safe space that nurtures growth across multiple dimensions—cultural, social, emotional, spiritual, physical, and intellectual—while respecting the unique journeys of each individual child and mother.

Our primary language used is nuucǎan̓uł (Nuu-chah-nulth) East Barkley Dialect, and we are also incorporating other Nuu-chah-nulth dialects such as those from Toquaht, Ucluelet, and Ahousaht-Tla-o-qui-aht. Our staff are committed to learning and seeking connections as our families grow and families from other Nations come to live at ʔumʔiiqsu. We incorporate language through daily practices, including speaking, reading, prayers, music, and visual literacy. 

Elders, cultural wellness workers, and Knowledge Keepers regularly visit to offer their wisdom, teachings, and cultural guidance. Our mothers play a vital role in creating a nurturing and supportive environment, ensuring families can grow and heal together. Through these combined efforts, ʔumʔiiqsu Child Care Centre is fostering a strong foundation for the next generation.

Contact: Carrie Nahorney