Ayás Mén̓men
Child & Family Services

Nexwniwnitway (Family Circle Program)

Manager: Sharon “Bunny” LeBlanc
Phone: 604-985-4111
Emails: Bunny_LeBlanc@squamish.net

Facilitators/Coordinators: Fawnda Bullshields and Brandi Bailey
Phone: 604-985-4111
Emails: Fawnda_Bullshields@squamish.net
and Brandi_Bailey@squamish.net

Nexwniwnitway Family Circles

Nexwniwnitway (“nough-nay-owe-nate-why”) means to seek counsel, as in the sense of mutual intent to discuss, resolve, plan, and follow up. The goal of the Nexwniwnitway program is to enhance the community’s well-being by enabling and empowering families to advocate for themselves in child and family matters, while highlighting the importance of making healthy choices and assuming responsibility for their families and the community.

We welcome referrals for family circles from Nation Members and service providers, addressing various concerns related to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh children and families. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh values and principles guide our discussions, ensuring that these values remain at the forefront of all our circles. Our participants include parents, extended family members, service providers, program specialists, Elders, cultural teachers, circle facilitators, and co-facilitators.

These circles encompass various types including:

Our Family Wellness Counsellors provide intensive community and in-home support in a wide variety of areas including:

• Prevention meetings
• Family decision making
• Family connection & permanency for children & youth
• Dispute resolution
• Cultural connection
• Youth transitioning to adulthood
• Ceremonies: aging into community, honouring, reunification to parent or family, returning to community

How do I submit a family circle referral?
Community members can self-refer to our main phone line 604-985-4111 and ask to speak to our Intake worker. Referrals also come from social workers, wellness and mental health clinicians or other community professionals. If you would like to know more about our Family Circle program, please contact us either by phone or email: amm_nvintake@squamish.net

Where can family circles occur?
Family Circles can occur at any of our Ayás Mén̓men offices including our 380 Welch Street Ayás Mén̓men office and Squamish Valley office, but we can also host them at other locations including family homes or other community spaces.