Sharing our Community Wisdom

Connecting and Caring in the Cowichan Valley: Ways to Make a Difference

Huy ch q'u - Thank you to Florence James and Mary Dolan who generously share their guidance, teachings and time, to help honour our children and families.

 Florence James is a Penelakut Tribes Elder and the Elder in Residence at the Cowichan Campus of Vancouver Island University. She was honoured as a Champion for Children for her outstanding commitment to sharing her culture with young children, youths and adults.

Watch Florence share her teachings on preparing for parenthood. Make sure to view the video in high quality (HQ).

Mary Dolan is a retired early childhood educator and was honoured as a Champion for Children for her work with Growing Together Child and Parent Society and Early Learning Centre as well as her advocacy and volunteer efforts to improve the lives of young children and their families.

Below, Mary shares her beliefs in a statement on what it takes to raise healthy, happy children.

We are All Good People

• I believe that the family is the most important influence in a child’s life.
• I believe that parents want the best for their children, and that all families need support at times for a variety of reasons.
• I believe that openness and respect for families is needed to develop trusting relationships.
• I believe in the importance of education.
• I agree with the philosophy that it takes a community to raise a child.
• I believe that every individual has something to give and that usefulness promotes a sense of dignity.
• I believe that it is respectful to teach a person “to fish” (so that he can) “feed himself”.
• I believe that belonging to a healthy community is of more value than material wealth and that health is our greatest gift.
• I view health in a holistic way which includes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
• I believe in early prevention and support.

Mary Dolan