We are lucky to be able to draw on the knowledge and experience of people in the community. Without their dedication and commitment, we could not achieve all that we accomplish.
Cultural Advisor Eugene Harry (XiQuelem)
Eugene Harry (XiQuelem) has been the Cultural Advisor at BCACCS since 2007. He is a member of the Cowichan Tribes, and a Shaker Church Minister in Squamish First Nation; he also works at Vancouver Native Health. Eugene provides general spiritual and cultural guidance for our agency, and since April 2009, he has also been our Culture and Language Teacher at Eagles Nest Preschool and Singing Frog Preschool.
Eugene is sometimes a guest at each preschool, and teaches our preschool children Halkomelem language, songs, stories and prayers bringing. He brings a joyful presence as a knowledge keeper and is a positive role model to children and adults alike assisting with transitions, playing with the children with great love and respect, and valuing children for being children. He often leads the children in blessings and prayers, regularly sharing traditional songs and stories from his people and entertaining the children while instilling important cultural values.
