The Hand Holders:

A Tribute to Caregivers

There is no job more important than yours,

no job anywhere else in the land,

You are the keepers of the future;

you hold the smallest of hands.

Into your care you are trusted

to nurture and care for the young,

and for all of your everyday heroics,

your talents and skills go unsung.

You wipe tears from the eyes of the injured.

You rock babies brand new in your arms.

You encourage the shy and unsure child.

You make sure they are safe from all harm.

You foster the bonds of friendships,

letting no child go away mad.

You respect and you honour their emotions.

You give hugs to each child when they're sad.

You have more impact than does a professor,

a child's mind is moulded by four;

so whatever you lay on the table

is whatever the child will explore.

Give each child the tools for adventure,

let them be artists and writers and more;

let them fly on the wind and dance on the stars

and build castles in the sand on the shore.

It is true that you don't make much money

and you don't get a whole lot of praise,

but when one small child says "I love you",

you're reminded of how this job pays.

author unknown

"Hi! Alison Murdock here.  Let me see . . . . . . . I have been here for the past 10 years, the centre has become a large part of who I am.  I appreciate the team we have here and it shows on the many happy faces we see everyday.  I am a believer of dreams and an enthusiast.  I have a full family to go home to every evening and they know how important they are to me."

Joy Murdock

Parental Involvement Worker - Office Assistant

"Hi, my name is Joy.  I have enjoyed working at the Head Start Programs for the last 2 years.  I am married to "Smiley" and together we have one daughter.

Nanci Travers

E.C.E.II Headstart

"Tansi I'm Nanci.  I am a member of the Fisher River Cree Nation.  I am a mommy to four beautiful children; Lauren, Jayce, Aneeka and Aidan and I have a wonderful boyfriend, Sonni.  I graduated with Homors from the Early Childhood Education Program in 1998.  I have been in the childcare field for over 14 years and I love it.  My experience branches out into all different directions, starting out here at the daycare and moving to CSS as the Elemantary Guidance Councilor to working in Winnipeg at the YMCA & Kookum's Place and finally settling back here in Fisher River at the Daycare/Head Start Programs.

Abigail Sinclair

E.C.A. Headstart

"Hi, my name is Abigail Sinclair, I am 30 years of age, single and a band member of Fisher River Cree Nation.  I work at the Fisher River Head Start program with my Childcare Assistant Certificate which involves working with children from ages 18 months to 3 years of age.  I love being around young children and teaching them how to understand and develop their learning skills."

Willie Travers

Headstart Transporter

"My name is Willie Travers, I have just recently started working with the Fisher River Head Start Program as the Van Driver."

Carmen Collins

E.C.E.II Daycare

"I am Carmen Collins.  I am a single parent to my daughter Jordyn, she is 3 years old.  I am a Fisher River Band Member and I work at the Daycare as an E.C.E.II.  I enjoy my job."

Rena Wilde

E.C.A. Daycare

"My name is Rena Wilde, I am married and we have four daughters.  I work at the Fisher River Daycare.  I love playing with the children, doing art, taking the children outside and really enjoying talking about sharks and healthy foods with the children."

Tracy Traverse  Daycare/Headstart Chef

"Hi my name is Tracy Traverse.  I am the cook/childcare worker at the Daycare & Head Start Program.  I am also the local hairstylist here is Fisher River, part time.  Away from work I enjoy spending time with my family.  I have two boys, 13 and 10 yrs and a beautiful little foster daughter.  I have been married for almost 14 years."

Sharon McKay

Custodial

"Hi!  My name is Sharon McKay, I am the janitor of the Daycare in Fisher River.  I love my job.  My favorite past times are sewing & crafts.  I am married, I have four grown up children and 9 grandchildren."