OJIIBIKENS EARLYON PROGRAM
Source: Ojibikens Indigenous Cultural Network
Summary: There are ninety EarlyON centres in Toronto that provide a welcoming drop-in environment. Parents and caregivers and children access services and programming together and can:
• join fun activities – reading, storytelling, sing-alongs, games and more
• get advice from professionals trained in early childhood development
• find out about other family services in the community
• connect with other families with young children
Ojiibikens means ‘little root.’ Ojiibikens is a land-based EarlyON program for children ages 0-6, and their siblings, parents and caregivers. Our mobile team provides Indigenous land-based programs in partnership with EarlyON centres and community organizations across Toronto. We are creating hands-on, outdoor learning environments for children that integrates language, culture, food, and physical activity. The core of land base education is about families being on and connecting with the land. Our activities will reclaim and rebuild land-based skills of growing, harvesting to preparing our Indigenous foods and traditional medicines.