Located within the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Nzen’man’ Child and Family Development Centre Society (Nzen’man’) is a children and family development service provider for Nlaka’pamux and non- Nlaka’pamux communities within the Nation.   In the Nlha.kapmhhchEEn language, Nzen’man’ means “Bird’s Nest”. Since our establishment in 1993, we have worked to creating a secure and loving environment to nurture future generations of communities within the Nlaka’pamux Nation - an environment that closely resembles the nest of a bird. Our programs are embedded with Nlaka’pamux ways of being.

Operating as a non-profit, charitable organization for the past 30 years, we offer a full range of accessible, affordable, and high-quality children and family development services that honour Nlaka’pamux culture, values, and traditions. The Society, governed by the BC Societies Act, currently operates within the Nlaka’pamux Nation with two offices in Lytton and Merritt. It is led by seven board members responsible for the overall strategic direction and driven by twenty-two qualified staff members responsible for delivering a range of programs to over two hundred children and families annually. The programs include pre-and post-natal home visiting, center-based childcare, early years in-home support, family drop-in, and assistance to families and children with special needs – all aimed at enhancing children's health, well-being, and resilience living within the Nlaka'pamux Nation.

Much has changed since Nzen’man’ was established in 1993. The world is now very different in terms of politics, environment, society, technology, legality, and economics. In the last three years alone, Nzen’man’ has experienced significant life-changing events, including the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Lytton fires, and BC flooding in 2021. Today, Nzen’man’ stands strongly with the new norms of pandemic and ongoing challenges presented by climate change. We maintain a humble attitude as we learn about the changes taking place in our communities’ territories and prepare ourselves to adapt to them. To do so correctly, we need to evolve to better understand the needs of the people living within the Nlaka’pamux Nation. We understand the importance of thinking ahead, and it has become evident that a long-term strategy for the organization is critical to guide Nzen’man’ and continue serving our people effectively. By engaging our people in this five-year strategic planning exercise, Nzen’man’ is preparing for the future by embracing sustainable development, resiliency, and vibrancy.