Wasisok Tomk
Wasisok Tomk (Kids First)
Wasisok Tomk focuses on culturally rooted approaches to holistic support and advocacy for children, youth, and caregivers within the Wolastoqey member communities. It integrates Wolastoqey knowledge, practices, and teachings with Western methodologies, reflecting the principle of nisapotomon (two-eyed seeing) – viewing the world through both Indigenous and Western perspectives to achieve a more comprehensive and balanced understanding.
Through Wasisok Tomk, WTCI embodies a vision of vibrant, interconnected, and culturally thriving communities where children and youth can flourish – deeply rooted in their heritage and well-equipped for the future, creating the next generation of Wolastoqey leaders.
TETPAWSUWAKON (BALANCED LIFE) PROFILE
Rooted in the Wolastōqey understanding of the interconnectedness, the framework honors the physical, social and emotional, mental, as well as spiritual and cultural dimensions of individuals.
Emphasizes balance and strength-based approaches that celebrate the unique differences of each individual.
COLLABORATION AND INTEGRATION
Builds partnerships between member communities, provincial agencies, and external service providers to create a strong, interconnected support network.
Encourages cross-support communication to ensure wrap-around care.
CULTURAL PRESERVATION AND REVITALIZATION
Promotes traditional knowledge, Wolastōqey language revitalization, and cultural preservation to strengthen identity and community pride.
Supports children, youth and caregivers in reconnecting with their heritage, honoring ancestors, and integrating ceremonial practices into daily life.
HOLISTIC SUPPORT
Meets children, youth, and caregivers “where they are” emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically.
Prioritizes culturally safe spaces that promote healing, learning, and empowerment.
Team
Our team is growing, and we are continuously evolving our services to meet the unique needs of clients and their families. We collaborate with families, schools, and communities to address challenges, eliminate barriers, and build on strengths to foster resilience and growth.
Services can include:
- Individual & Small Group Supports (e.g., Traditional Healing Practices, Counselling, Occupational Therapy, etc.)
- Tailored Program Support Services (e.g., Youth Leadership, Ceremonial Events, etc.)
- Educational & Behavioural Consultation
- Professional Learning
- Caregiver Support
There are no fees attached to our programs, and services can be offered outside of our regular hours of operation.
Research Initiatives
WTCI Wasisok Tomk welcomes research initiatives that strengthen and nurture Wolastoqey children, youth, and their caregivers.
Sense of Belonging (2024)
Referrals
Children and youth (ages 2-18 years old) from our five member Wolastoqey Communities can be referred.
Referrals can be made by, although not limited to, the following:
- Community Members
- Guardians/Caregivers/Families
- Band Operated Schools
- Child & Family, Health, Jordan’s Principle, etc.
- Early Years Sites
- Provincial Agencies
- Child & Youth Teams
- Provincial Schools
- Early Learning & Childcare Centres
- External Agencies
- Health Practitioners
- Private Service Providers
To complete a referral, complete our Online Referral Form or download the Printable Referral Form. Completed Printable Referral Forms can be submitted via email to wtcieducation@wolastoqey.ca or dropped off to the WTCI Head Office at 3-35 Dedham St, Suite 202, Fredericton, NB, E3A 2V2.
Crisis Lines
If you or your family are in immediate need of crisis support, here are some resources available to assist you:
- Addiction and Mental Health Helpline: Provides free, confidential, bilingual support with trained clinicians offering crisis intervention, coaching, and referrals.
Phone: 1-866-355-5550
Website: Addiction and Mental Health Helpline - Kids Help Phone: Offers confidential counselling and information for youth by phone, text, and online instant message.
Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Text: 686868
Website: Kids Help Phone - Hope for Wellness Helpline: Provides mental health counselling and crisis intervention through a toll-free hotline and online chat to all Indigenous peoples across Canada.
Phone: 1-855-242-3310
Website: Hope for Wellness Helpline - 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Provides 24/7 support for individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Phone: 9-8-8
Website: 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline - LGBT Youth Line: Offers anonymous, confidential peer support by email, text, and chat on issues of concern to 2SLGBTQ+ youth.
Phone: 1-888-687-9688
Text: 647-694-4275
Website: LGBT Youth Line - 2-1-1 Helpline: Provides free, confidential information and referrals to a wide range of social, community, health, and government services across New Brunswick.
Phone: 2-1-1
Website: 2-1-1 NB