Kwùmut Lelum Child and Family Services – Nanaimo, BC

Kwùmut Lelum Child and Family Services

Kwùmut Lelum Child and Family Services is a Delegated Aboriginal Agency (DAA) based in Nanaimo, dedicated to the safety and well-being of Indigenous children and families. Rooted in Coast Salish teachings, the agency operates under the authority of the Child, Family and Community Service Act, providing culturally grounded child protection and guardianship services. The name ‘Kwùmut Lelum’ translates to ‘House of the Little Ones,’ reflecting its core mission to nurture and protect the next generation.

Mandate and Communities

The agency serves nine member First Nations on central Vancouver Island: Snuneymuxw, Snaw-Naw-As, Stz’uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, Malahat, Qualicum, and Lake Cowichan. It works to keep children connected to their culture, community, and family whenever possible, offering an Indigenous-led alternative to the provincial foster care system.

Key Services

Kwùmut Lelum provides a comprehensive range of family support and child safety services:

• Child Protection: Investigating reports of concern and ensuring the immediate safety of children, with a focus on collaborative planning with families.
• Guardianship: Providing care for children and youth in care, ensuring their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met while maintaining cultural ties.
• Wellness and Mental Health: Offering culturally safe counselling and mental health support for children and youth.
• Caregiver Support: Recruiting and supporting Indigenous foster parents (caregivers) to provide safe homes within the community.