Early Childhood Education Centre
Songhees Preschool offers a safe and supportive environment for children to begin their educational journey. The curriculum is designed to prepare children for entry into public school as well as grounding them with community and family support for their education. A Daycare Program supports families with caregivers working or attending school with full day care services Monday through Friday.
Kindergarten-Grade 12
Songhees Nation works closely with Greater Victoria School District #61 to continuously improve learning outcomes for Songhees students. It is an exciting opportunity to influence change and increase awareness of lək̓ʷəŋən history, culture and language. Under Songhees Nation’s Local Education Agreement, Indigenous Services Canada funds public and private school tuition. Other services include financial support for books, school supplies, student allowance, student fees, bus passes and graduation allowance. A Student Liaison and Student Facilitators provide tutoring and mentoring for students at Craigflower Elementary, Shoreline Middle School and Esquimalt High.
k̓ʷamk̓ʷam éʔəŋ After School Program
The afterschool homework club provides assistance to elementary and middle school students. Students receive an after-school snack, daily gym time and support with homework. University of Victoria students volunteer as tutors. Community partners such as PISES and the Greater Victoria Public Library offer programs to the students. Other activities include planting and harvesting on the rooftop garden, STEM Science Ventures, and music lessons. The program is very popular with students and their families and is having a positive impact on academic success for Songhees Nation.
Songhees Academic Youth Leadership Group
Songhees Academic Youth Leadership Group provides academic, social and recreational activities for youth of the Songhees Community. SAYL participants chose topics to learn about and group activities. Past projects include studying ocean microplastics with the University of Victoria, Songhees Got Talent Shows and Chopped Songhees cooking competition. SAYL members volunteer at community events and meet periodically with Songhees Chief and Council. Guest speakers share career opportunities, money management, culture, indigenous environment and more. A Junior SAYL Group is mentored by senior students.
Post-Secondary
Post Secondary support services including career planning and advisory counselling.
Employment & Training
The Songhees Employment and Learning Centre is funded through the Coast Salish Employment and Training Society. The program offers upgrading in Math and English, industry-specific training such as Point of Sale, WHIMIS, First Aid, FoodSafe and driver training as well as assistance with resumes, cover letters and interview skills.
Links
Federal Government
Indigenous Child and Family Development
First Nations Child and Family Services