Child and Family Program ‘Let’s Talk Series’

Educators and leaders come together to:

Share programming activities that support children, youth, and families
Learn new strategies for engaging families in culturally responsive and community-driven ways
Build and renew connections with one another, strengthening relationships and fostering collaboration across programs and communities.

This virtual gathering creates a space for mutual support, inspiration, and the celebration of Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Resources

Child and Family Programming Ideas

First Nations child and family programs offer high-quality, free drop-in child and family programs for parents/guardians and caregivers, and children. They provide welcoming environments where families, children, and caregivers can learn, grow, and connect.

First Nations Child and Family Programs objectives are intended to:

Increase access to culturally relevant early years programs and services for First Nations children and families on reserve;

Enhance First Nations control of service design and delivery;

Provide increased opportunities for First Nations children to learn about their culture and language from an early age; and,

Improve outcomes for First Nations children and families including culturally relevant healthy child development, and parent and family supports.

Below are programming ideas shared during the Child and Family Program Virtual Let’s Talk Series. Please check back as the list continues to grow.

Drop In – Parents/caregivers and children are invited to the center to come together and explore, learn, create, and play in child friendly spaces and talk to staff and connect with others.

Nutrition – Staff invite a Community Health Nurse, or Dietitian, to promote healthy diets for families. Programming such as canning preserves with families, baking in a bag, freezer dinners, children’s cooking classes and nutrition bingos are offered throughout the year. Staff and families often share the upkeep of community gardens.

Community Events – Staff and families attend community events i.e. Feasts and often volunteer.

Pop In Programs – Staff invite professionals from partner agencies to present on car seat safety, infant sleeping techniques, breastfeeding, nutritious baby food making, and infant massage.

Culture – Staff invite Aunties/Uncles/Parents/Grandparents to share their skills in making ribbon skirts, ribbon shirts, regalia, drums, shakers etc. Some programs may have an Elder who has the gift to give spirit names to children in a yearly ceremony.

Season/Special Events – Staff host Christmas Parties with gifts from Santa Claus and offer either lunch or dinner and Easter Egg Hunts with an Easter Breakfast. Staff host summer events that include trips to the zoo or special event/themed parties. Scavenger hunts are popular!

Community Partners – Staff collaborate with Health, Education, Social Services and Libraries to share ideas to encourage community involvement.

Outdoor Programming – Staff offer daily activities and host special events in outdoor environments to promote connecting with nature. Walking in trails, berry picking and games are scheduled throughout the year.

Gross Motor Rooms – Staff offer different activities and set up equipment in gym spaces.