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Two new welcome poles unveiled for the Qualicum First Nation’s Head Start program

Carvers: Jesse Recalma of the Qualicum First Nation and Karver Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation
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Children from the Qualicum First Nation Head Start program on the pole unveiling on Nov. 15. - Cloe Logan photo

It was an exciting day for the Qualicum First Nation Head Start program, which unveiled two new welcome poles on Friday, Nov. 15.

Jesse Recalma of the Qualicum First Nation carved one pole, while Karver Everson of the K’ómoks First Nation carved the other.

It marks a proud moment for the centre, said Pam Moore, former manager of the children and family programs — Debbie Scaife has since taken over as acting manager of childcare. Moore said seeing the children get up and drum before the pole unveiling made her especially proud.

“The kids, man they did good,” she said. “Like I said, this has been a two year project, I applied for funding two years ago — the funding, the building, getting the program, we now have head start funding, we’re open to the community.”

The centre provides child care to families in the Bowser, Spider Lake, Horne Lake and Qualicum area, and offers affordable daycare and financial assistance to low income families.

Recalma said having a pole go up at the centre is a big accomplishment.

“It’s the second pole that I’ve done and so just great to have something within my own community,” said Recalma. “It’s good to have something there to have the youth to see around their building.”

READ MORE: Qualicum First Nation breaks ground on after-school centre

Everson said it was special to be able to help the child-care centre and take part in celebrating the Qualicum nation.

“Today feels fantastic, it’s so good to see the community come together — K’ómoks and Qualicum,” he said. “I know that our history is really close and we have long lasting history together and close family ties.”

cloe.logan@pqbnews.com

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Children from the Qualicum First Nation Head Start program on the pole unveiling on Nov. 15. - Cloe Logan photo
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Jesse Recalma’s pole being unveiled on Nov. 15. - Cloe Logan photo
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Jesse Recalma in front of his pole at its unveiling on Nov. 15. - Cloe Logan photo