Press Release | New daycare centre opening on Southside to support children and families

April 16, 2026

For immediate release 

Southside, BC – Families living south of Burns Lake will soon have access to the new Sus’an Yaz daycare centre serving the territories of Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Nee Tahi Buhn and Skin Tyee Nation. The centre provides a play-based environment that supports all areas of development within a safe and supervised setting.  

Located at Grassy Plains School, child care spaces are open to families of all ethnicities. There will be up to 10 licensed spaces for infants and toddlers, 17 spaces for children up to five years old, as well as 16 spaces for before‑ and after‑school care for school‑aged children.  
The Sus’an Yaz daycare is a partnership between School District 91, Cheslatta Carrier Nation, and Nee Tahi Buhn, with funding support from the Ministry of Education and Child Care and BC Aboriginal Child Care Services. The centre will be operated by Carrier Sekani Family Services.  

“There is an ongoing shortage of child care in Northern BC. This opening represents a shared commitment to investing in the future of our children and families. Parents can have peace of mind knowing that their children will be learning in a safe environment as they go to work or are busy with other activities,” shares Chief of Cheslatta Carrier Nation, Janet Whitford. 
Marcella Morris, Chief of Nee Tahi Buhn expresses excitement about the opening of this new facility and the supports it provides to the communities: "This new daycare represents a meaningful milestone for our community. A space that supports children, families, and helps our community thrive.” 

Early Years services are widely recognized as a key factor in healthy social development and overall community well‑being. By providing safe, culturally grounded child care, Carrier Sekani Family Services aims to reduce barriers faced by families, including limited access to licensed care and the need to leave the community to access services. This centre will support parents and caregivers to participate in employment, education, and training, while ensuring children receive high‑quality early learning experiences.  

“Sus’an Yaz daycare centre is open to all ethnicities and our programming embraces diversity and encourages cultural exchange,” says Dawne Persson, CSFS Director of Early Childhood Development. “Families are invited to share traditions, stories, and meals, enriching the classroom experience with multicultural perspectives.” 
“A typical day at the daycare will include child-led free play, land-based learning, structured activities, regular outdoor experiences, and community outings throughout the year,” continues Persson. “These experiences foster curiosity, strengthen connections to the land, and support the development of social skills and positive peer relationships.” 

Nyree Hazelton, Vice-Chair of Nechako Lakes Board of Education and locally elected trustee adds, “This new child care space at Grassy Plains School is something to celebrate. With investment from the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the strong partnership between Nechako Lakes (SD91) and Carrier Sekani Family Services, and the valued support of Cheslatta Carrier Nation and Nee Tahi Buhn Band, we are expanding access to high‑quality, inclusive childcare close to home. This thoughtfully renovated space will give children a strong start and provide meaningful support for families on the Southside.” 

The newly renovated space is equipped with two childcare rooms for children up to 5 years old with a shared kitchenette, laundry rooms and secure playground. There is also a third childcare room for before and after school care.  
A community tour of the new space was hosted on April 15, 2026, at Grassy Plains School. Registration is currently open and the daycare will be open as soon as final licensing is complete. Families can register in person at the daycare side of Grassy Plains School from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by email at ecarney@csfs.org. 
 
Media Contact: 
Emily Epp, Strategic Communications Manager 
778-675-4785 
emepp@csfs.org  

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