DÍI 'LÁAGANG · HI THERE!
The Parent Café is a friendly and safe space for all parents, guardians, and grandparents on Haida Gwaii, with children of any age (0-99). Everyone is welcome!
Our first meeting took place on Pink Shirt Day 2025, where we discussed bullying - a topic many of you have inquired about. This idea came from questions and concerns in our community. Together with you we want to create a relaxed place where parents/guardians can share their thoughts and ideas. We're two parents and members of the PAC at Daaxiigan Sk'adáa Née, and we have the pleasure of hosting the Parent Café.
Come by and join us at the Parent Café - we'd love to see you there - Dáng ḵwáan-gang 'láa 'láa dang ḵu stláng!
Hi, I'm Lea Heiligtag. I feel so lucky to live and learn on the beautiful land of the Haida Nation. My family and I have been calling Masset home since August 2024. I'm the mom of Jakob, who is graduating in June 2025.
As a Community Facilitator, Educator and Performer, I am passionate about fostering connection, creativity, and growth within individuals and communities. My work focuses on the transformative power of group dynamics, collaborative learning, and self-expression. With over 20 years of experience and as a certified Psychodrama Facilitator with a Master’s in Education, I have the pleasure of working with children, youth, and adults across various contexts.
You'll often find me at my happy place - the beach - walking for hours with my dog. If not, I'm likely at home getting lost in books and cooking up schemes for next projects.
Let's connect and create together!
Hi, I'm Becca :) I made the big move from Prince of Wales Island to Haida Gwaii in 2022, and I will be forever grateful to have been welcome by family and the community here.
I have two kiddo's in elementary school at Daaxiigan Sk'adáa Née, Cedra and Waahlaal Giiddaak-Eulach, and I have been a member of the PAC since June of 2023.
I was homeschooled until highschool, and my experience in the public school institution was particulary rough. My motivation for helping to start the Parent Café is in a camaraderie with the parents who might feel like they don't belong. You are welcome and we want to hear your voice.
In the day to day, you can find me with a cup of tea, mulling over big questions like "What makes a community?" and "Which garden plants love sand and wind and darkness?"
Hope to see you soon!
In British Columbia Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) are organizations that represent parents at the school level. They play a key role in fostering communication between parents, teachers, and school administration. PACs exist in all public schools, including those in School District 50 (Haida Gwaii).
PACs in Schools on Haida Gwaii
In our School District, PACs are especially important because they:
- reflect the unique needs and cultural values of the communities on Haida Gwaii,
- advocate for educational programs that respect and include Indigenous knowledge and traditions, given the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Each school in the district has its own PAC. Parents/Guardinas with children in the school are encouraged to participate.
What do PACs do?
Support School Communities:
PACs work to promote the interests of the school and its students. They aim to improve the school environment and provide additional resources.
Fundraising:
PACs often organize fundraisers to support activities, equipment, or resources not covered by the school's budget. (e.g. field trips, sport equipment, cultural workshops.)
Consultation:
School administrators my consult PACs on key issues such as budget priorities, policies, or curriculum-related decisions.
Community Building:
PACs help foster a sense of community by organizing events like school barbecues, cultural celebrations, or guest speaker nights.
How to get involved in PAC?
All parents or guardians of children in a public school are automatically members of their school's PAC.
You can attend any PAC meeting, typically held every month at the school.Invitations are usually send through the school's newsletters. You can volunteer for events, committees, or specific roles within the PAC (e.g. Chairperson, Secretary, or Treasurer).