who we are

the Scw'exmx are the people of the creeks

In 1993, the five bands from the Nicola Valley came together 
and made a pivotal decision to end colonial control over their children and confront the lasting effects of colonial harm:

  •  nc̓ə́ɬetkʷu (Coldwater Indian Band)
  • sulu̓ s (Lower Nicola Indian Band)
  • nwéyc (Nooaitch Indian Band)
  • sxéxn̓ x (Shackan Indian Band)
  • sp’ax̌ʔmi̓n and nɬq’aɬməlʔx (Upper Nicola Band)

Scw'exmx Child & Family Services is centered around family, and we work together to exercise nłeʔkepmx and syilx inherent rights to empower children, young people, and families.

We acknowledge the historical challenges faced by our communities and are guided by traditional strength and wisdom as we strive to build family and community capacity. Through a combination of prevention and protection strategies, we are committed to building strong children and families, ensuring that young people remain with their families and stay connected to their communities.

We build strong children and families.

our values
7 guiding principles

We are all somebody's 7th generation. We imagine a world where seven generations from now, a child welfare system is no longer needed as our families will be whole and healthy.

Love
Love

We support families in wellness by loving and nurturing our children and recognizing their importance in all that we do.

Accountability
Accountability

We are honest and ethical in all our interactions and we practice integrity being consistent, accountable, and transparent.

Respect
Respect

We role-model respect, encouraging participation, honoring each person's strengths, and actively engaging in solution-oriented dialogue.

Culture & Language
Culture & Language

We practice our cultural teachings, understanding that a strong sense of identity and belonging contributes to healthy quality of life.

Responsibility
Responsibility

We consider the impacts of our work on current and future generations, and  focus on doing the right things for the right reasons.

Holistic
Holistic

We utilize a community-driven and strength-based approach, building upon what is working with our families, organization, and communities.

Advocacy
Advocacy

We advocate for community rights and responsibilities with culturally grounded prevention supports.

 

about our logo
divine creation

Significant in both nłeʔkepmx and syilx culture, the basket weaves represent divine creation.

strategic directions

Our four Strategic Directions reflect the needs of the communities we serve. 

  • Create a culture of caring in collaboration with Elders and Community Leaders to return authority to community.
  • Move from protection to prevention in mindset, reputation and services.
  • Support the wellness and growth of our community members.
  • Establish organizational alignment and stability to support our five guiding communities.

 

see our strategic directions

our history

Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society

In 1993, the Nicola Valley Tribal Council (now the Scw’exmx Tribal Council) took action to assert its inherent right to exercise control over all matters concerning the welfare of children and families in their communities. Concerned by the growing number of children being apprehended from their communities, the Council established the Scw’exmx Child and Family Services Society in 1994 to oversee the delivery of child welfare services to the five member bands living on reserve.

Today, we are a fully delegated Society, providing programs and services to the Nicola Valley. Our support extends to both on- and off-reserve members of our communities, as well as to urban Indigenous people.