Indigenous Peoples & Childcare

(Website with videos) The Aboriginal HIPPY program serves land-based and urban Aboriginal families across the country, particularly those impacted by the legacy of residential schools, poverty, parents’ limited education, and social isolation. HIPPY recognizes the power of the parent as a child’s first and best teacher.

(Website) The Best Start Resource Centre supports service providers who work in preconception health, prenatal health and early child development.

(Video) The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society launched the From Seed to Cedar Campaign to raise awareness about the crucial role of quality Aboriginal Early Childhood Development and Care (ECDC) programs in our communities, and recognize the work of dedicated early childhood educators in our communities.

(PDF file) Central to development are questions of self-concept, identity and possible selves. Identity development has received limited attention in research on early childhood education and cognitive development.

(Video) In July 2015, Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities gathered to celebrate their 20th Anniversary. 51 Alumni from AHS programs across Canada came together with Elders, staff, parents and AHS community members. The three-day gathering was held at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver BC.

(Website) This Program is a national community-based early intervention program funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. AHSUNC focuses on early childhood development for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families living off-reserve.

(Video) Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities provides a half-day preschool experience for children in vulnerable populations. This video highlights the best practices of; Aboriginal culture and language, education and school readiness, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and parental involvement in several Aboriginal Head Start programs located in Northern Alberta. For example, Waninawakang.

(PDF file) Developed by First Nations Head Start programming representatives, this reference guide provides a blueprint of options for First Nations to consider in developing their Head Start program standards.