Our Programs
Upper Island Women’s Programs consist of educational, social service and senior programs.
Explore Programs for All Ages
At Upper Island Women of Native Ancestry (UIWONA), we are committed to empowering Indigenous women, children, and families through culturally grounded programs and services. Our offerings include early childhood education, family support initiatives, cultural workshops, and advocacy programs designed to foster connection, resilience, and well-being. Rooted in Indigenous traditions and guided by community needs, our programs provide a safe and supportive space for growth, healing, and empowerment. Explore our programs and join us in strengthening our community.
Browse Programs
Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start
The overall goal of the Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start program is to foster the early childhood development of Aboriginal children in conjunction with plans and methods designed by Aboriginal people for aboriginal people.
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Aboriginal Head Start offers two programs a day from Monday to Thursday at 9 am – 11:15 am or 12:45 pm – 3:30 pm. This is a licensed preschool that for children ages 3 to 5 years (must be 3 by December 31st).
This program focuses on Aboriginal Culture, has qualified Early Childhood Educators and provides transportation and meals. The registration is always open and has no charge.
The overall goal of the Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start program is to foster the early childhood development of Aboriginal children in conjunction with plans and methods designed by Aboriginal people for aboriginal people.
Program Goals:
- To foster the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical growth of the children.
- To foster a desire for lifelong learning.
- To support parents, guardians, and extended family as the primary teachers and caregivers of their children.
- To foster a holistic approach to learning and living based on the values of Aboriginal peoples.
- To foster the preservation of Aboriginal culture.
- To ensure the efficient and effective management of all aspects of the program.
The Program Integrates Six Components:
Culture & Language: Designed to honour and value Aboriginal cultures and provide an introduction to the cultures and the languages of the children.
Education: Provides educational experiences and a “head start” for children entering kindergarten, including liaison support between parents and school.
Health Promotion: Encourage practices for self-care, working together, to address health concerns, and the creation of formal and informal social support networks.
Nutrition: Provides a wholesome nutritional program to promote healthy child development.
Social support: Networks with and provides information of community resources and services to families.
Parental & family involvement: Actively supports parents and extended family as children’s primary caregivers, encouraging their involvement in the program and their children’s education.
We believe that…
Aboriginal people have the right to quality education which includes learning the traditional ways and cultural values of their ancestors.
The active participation of parents/or caregivers in their children’s education is a key factor in encouraging lifelong success.
Networking with the community enhances understanding between Aboriginal people and others.
The Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start Program is funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, MCFD, and is sponsored by UIWONA.
Early Years Aboriginal Program
The Early Years Aboriginal Program provides support and networking for families. The program is designed to fill a gap for families to provide support and socialization, while incorporating traditional teachings and current parenting techniques.
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This program is for children 0-4+ years of age and their parents and offers transportation assistance. A healthy snack is included. Registration is ongoing and the program is free.
The program features child-focused family projects:
- Elders and guests
- Circle time (Aboriginal drumming, singing and dancing)
- Walking field trips
- Group presentations
- Cultural gatherings
Location:
TBD
The Early Years Aboriginal Program’s goals are:
- To foster the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical growth of children.
- To support parents, guardians and extended family as the caregivers of their children.
- To foster the preservation of Aboriginal culture.
Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Aboriginal Infant Development Consultants works together with families to support the growth and development of aboriginal children during their most important years of development from birth to six years old. The first three years of life is the most important time during a baby’s growth and brain development.
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We envision our children being raised in loving and safe homes, within healthy, supportive, caring communities who practice cultural, meaningful values and beliefs. We also envision healthy and strong communities where the necessity of intervention programs is reduced and everyone is treated as a gift from our Creator.
How to Register
Email aidp@uiwona.ca or call/text 250-650-8724 to complete a registration/intake form.
Who Qualifies
· Children 0-6 years of age
· Has a developmental delay in his/her development (i.e. sitting, walking, talking).
· May be at risk for delay in their development.
· Has an Identified special need.
How we can help
· Focus on the child as a whole to include health, intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being;
· Offer support for Aboriginal families and infants who are at risk of, or have a developmental delay;
· Developmental assessments and written reports.
· Support families by providing home visits, activity planning and developmental screenings;
· Recognizes the role of Elders and extended family in parenting;
· Provides referrals to other health and social services as needed.
Stephannie Miller, AIDP, LPN (she/her/hers)
Aboriginal Infant Development Program
Licensed Practical Nurse
UPPER ISLAND WOMEN OF NATIVE ANCESTRY (UIWONA)
960 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2E4
EMAIL: aidp@uiwona.ca // PHONE: 250-650-8724 // FAX: 250-338-9515
Aboriginal Speech & Language Program
In partnership with the Comox Valley Child Development Association (CVCDA)
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The Team
Consists of:
• A Registered Speech-Language
Pathologist (SLP)
• A Certified Speech-Language Pathology
Assistant (SLPA)
The Program
The Aboriginal Speech and Language Program is a FREE, voluntary, and family participation service that aims to provide:
- In-person support to families with Indigenous ancestry living in the Comox Valley.
- Services for children and families from birth to 7 years of age.
- Visits at home, at UIWONA, or at a safe space in the community as chosen by the family. Virtual visits also available.
Through collaboration with families and caregivers, our team hopes to work alongside you in helping build skills in the following areas:
- Language understanding and expression-being able to communicate ideas, want/needs and feelings
- Play and social interaction skills to connect with peers and adults
- Speech sound development to say words clearly in conversation
- Early literacy skills for later reading and writing
- Feeding and swallowing skills
- Speaking with a smooth, healthy voice
How to Get Started
If you feel support from us would be a good fit for your family, please contact us at:
Registered Speech-Language Pathologist: Phone/Text: 250-331-1638
Certified Speech-Language Assistant: Phone/Text: 250-465-0420
Email: aslp@uiwona.ca
You can also refer your child by contacting the CVCDA Intake Worker/ Family Advocate:
Ph: 250-338-4288, ext.: 225
Or visit www.cvcda.ca and under “Services” go to “Accessing Services” to fill out an Application for Service form.
Friday’s Child “Playing in the Light” Program
The program supports parents and families who face challenges with daily tasks as a result of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other cognitive or behavioural difficulties. The program provides a safe environment for Aboriginal children and their families who face extraordinary challenges in ordinary situations.
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Families participate in confidential talking circles and find support with our highly-trained staff and a supportive community. Transportation and a healthy lunch is provided. The program is free. Come and play in the light with us!
Hours:
Fridays 9:45am – 1:30pm
Nine Moons Prenatal Program
UIWONA’s Nine Moons Prenatal Program is a unique prenatal program that empowers and prepares expecting women on their individual birthing journeys and the arrival of these precious gifts to the village.
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All women of Indigenous, Inuit, or Metis ancestry or having a child with Indigenous, Inuit, or Metis ancestry, who are interested in including elements of Indigenous culture into the birthing experience are welcome.
This 6 week prenatal series includes everything from learning about prenatal health and birth to cultural traditions for pregnancy and birth.
Womens Wisdom from the Moon Lodge
A program for women of all ages to connect with culture while strengthening individual spirituality with self-care.
Contact: 250-334-9591
Email: info@uiwona.ca
The Indigenous Baby Honouring Event
An annual fall gathering that celebrates all the babies that have joined the village over the previous year.
Contact: caecdbabyhonouring@gmail.com
Contact Us Today to Learn More About How We Can Provide Support For Your Family.
Donations gratefully accepted and help us with infrastructure projects, Cultural Gatherings/Celebrations, seasonal workshops, outdoor clothing for children, staff training days, and more.
UIWONA’s purpose is to be a channel of communication between women of Indigenous Ancestry and other organizations and to meet as many needs as possible of Indigenous Women and their families.
Phone
(250) 334-9591
Please leave a voicemail and allow 48 business hours for a return call
info@uiwona.ca
Address
960 Cumberland Rd,
Courtenay, BC
V9N 2E4
In the spirit of reconciliation, we respectfully acknowledge that the land we gather on is on the Unceded Traditional Territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.