A new Aboriginal program opened in Lloydminster to help Indigenous children and their families connect with culture while preparing for school.
The Border City Aboriginal Head Start held an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 3 with city officials and community partners.
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Sandra Youngchief, director for the organization, said it will give children a strong start.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity for kids to come and learn about culture,” she said. “Also, social and academic skills. We’ll be doing a lot of hands-on. We’ll be doing things like ice fishing and teaching them about culture. And it will shape them. They’ll be kindergarten-ready.”
Culture and language will be part of daily life at the centre.
“We have activities every day,” said Youngchief. “It’s rounded into their play … not just ‘Okay, here we’re going to make this, this day.’ It’s rounded every day.”
Parents will also play a big role.
“Parents are welcome to come and look at what the kids are doing any day,” she said. “We will have a parent and family night once a month. Parents can come in and make hand drums, make ribbon skirts and make ribbon shirts. They can bring all their family, not just the child who goes to Head Start.”
Health Canada funds the program and Métis Local 76 helps support them. Youngchief said donations from the community will help the centre grow.
Community support
Mayor Gerald Aalbers called the centre an important step for Lloydminster.
“This is a tremendous organization that helps those who need help from the perspective that we have a large Aboriginal population that surrounds our community and is in our community,” said Aalbers. “Every opportunity we can assist to ensure young people have the best tools to make the best start that they can, it’s critical.”
He also noted the value of early childhood development is clear.
“It doesn’t matter which school they go to, where they go to, early childhood development has shown the value is there to put investment (into).”
Midwest Family Connections program coordinator Maxine Desjarlais also welcomed the launch.
“It’s so good to be able to come and support one another, to have a partnership with other programs that are serving children up to six years of age,” she said.
Youngchief said the centre will start with 22 students and one bus, funded by Health Canada. She hopes it will expand to serve more children in the years ahead.
Call the organization at 306-825-5255 or drop by their space at 5009 48 Ave., just south of the railway tracks by the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter for more information on programming.
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