Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week returns to Kamloops starting this weekend

KAMLOOPS — Starting Saturday, Kamloops’ annual celebration of literacy will make its return. Interior Savings’ Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week kicks off this Saturday (Jan. 21) with ABC Family Literacy Day at the Henry Grube Centre.

While Interior Savings Unplug and Play Week did its best to keep going through the pandemic, there’s no substitute for being back in person.

“We’re pretty much back in full swing, starting with our kickoff — ABC Family Literacy Day on Saturday,” Fiona Clare, Literacy Outreach Coordinator with Literacy in Kamloops, tells CFJC Today.

ABC Family Literacy Day is a bit different this year, as families have been asked to register online before the event, just to help keep numbers manageable at the Henry Grube Centre.

“We’re asking people to register on Eventbrite, but you can also drop in,” Clare says. “That’s pretty much the same with all the events. They’re all free for families. We’ve got more than 35 things happening for all ages.”

One of the new Unplug and Play events will take place on Wednesday, January 25, at Lii Michif Otipemisewak’s centre on Tranquille Road. The event is called Learn, Sing & Play the Metis Way, and will feature Metis culture and Michif language.

“Families can register. We have a limit of 30 people that can attend,” Mackenzie Papp, Michif Early Years Manager explains. “They can come and see our space here, and talk to the elders, talk to the staff about different things that are Michif and Metis culture.”

As the title of the event suggests, there will be songs, games and books about Metis and Michif culture. The event will be similar to the program the organization puts on in its Early Years Drop-in Centre during the week, which is open to all kids and caregivers, aged 5 years and younger.

“Being a Metis agency, bringing the culture and the language is super important for young kids, especially Metis kiddos,” Papp says. “As they age and grow, we want to create that sense of belonging and a sense of pride for their Metis heritage.”

Interior Savings has been the title sponsor for Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week. Brian Harris, Interior Savings CEO is a big believer in the importance of spending time and creating memories with the ones we love.

“One of the things that are so fundamental to family time is the ability to disconnect from digital,” Harris explains. “It really forces us and reminds us to spend time together in ways that are really about family time and it’s an amazing program that we’re really proud to sponsor.”

Unplug and Play Week runs from January 21 to 28. For a full schedule of events, click here.