Lheidli T’enneh First Nation begins construction on new childcare centre

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation has broken ground on a new childcare centre. The facility will have space for 24 infants and toddlers, 25 children aged three to kindergarten, and 26 school-aged children; and the centre hopes to be able to provide 24/7 childcare to support shift workers, if possible. The Dakelh language and culture, elder involvement, storytelling, songs, dancing, and land-based learning will be emphasized within the programming. “Because we are on the traditional village site of the Lheidli T’enneh we are going to have a lot of Indigenous cultural influences in our curriculum. But it’s for everybody,” said Lheidli T’enneh councillor and project lead Kyle McIntosh. “I know staffing is really hard to get right now so we are going to have to be aggressive and hopefully everyone will want to work in a beautiful brand-new building.” The building is expected to be completed in Fall 2024.