Engaging Canadians on Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care

What this engagement focused on

The Government of Canada was looking for thoughts and ideas to help develop an Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework that will reflect the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children across Canada. This Framework will be co-developed with Indigenous peoples. A broad range of voices were sought to:

• Identify strengths, challenges and opportunities through engagement and dialogue
• Discuss communities' needs and priorities
• Develop meaningful principles and goals
• Plan concrete actions in the short, medium and long-term

This initiative will also examine the following three federal Indigenous early learning and child care programs to better understand what is working well and what could be improved:

• The First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, administered by Employment and Social Development Canada
• The Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve program, administered by Health Canada
• The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities program, administered by the Public Health Agency of Canada

These programs are part of a broader group of federal Indigenous education and health programs (such as First Nations kindergarten on-reserve funded by Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada). Views on how these programs can better work together to support improved health, education and wellness of Indigenous children and families were welcomed as part of this engagement.

Who was engaged

We wanted to hear from parents, family members, communities, early childhood educators, youth, Elders, experts and leaders about their vision for early learning and child care for Indigenous children and families so that we can build on what is working and improve for the future.

Contact us

Interested media can contact media relations.

Questions on this process can be sent to NC-IELCC-AGJEA-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

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