Encouraging Aboriginal Cultural Identity at Home and in Child Care
Source: CCCF FCSGE (Community of Early Childhood Educators)
Focus: Families and Child Care Practitioners
Summary: In many ways, quality early learning and child care programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children are similar to any program. For example, they must offer safe and nurturing care by qualified practitioners, and encourage opportunities to learn and develop skills. In other ways, however, quality child care programs for Indigenous children are different.
Unlike mainstream programs, programs designed specifically for Indigenous children play a key role in supporting children to develop their cultural identity – an important aspect of social well-being. They encourage learning about culture and language and work to instill a sense of pride and belonging. Mainstream programs too, however, with a little work, produce the same positive results.