Aboriginal Head Start Programs

Early childhood development programs for on-Reserve, off-Reserve (including urban) First Nations, Inuit and Métis children ages three to six and their families. The Federally-funded Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) is designed to meet the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical needs of the child. All projects are sponsored, designed and implemented by indigenous nonprofit organizations in the local community. Each AHS project stresses traditional knowledge and pride in indigenous heritage, good nutrition, healthy lifestyles and preparation for school. Parents and families are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of program development, delivery, management and evaluation. AHS also provides a focal point for non-reserve-based indigenous communities to organize themselves around the needs of their children and to revitalize indigenous cultures and languages.