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Central Okanagan Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Priorities
The Community Action Toward Children’s Health – CATCH Aboriginal ECD Action Team representing Westbank First Nation, Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society and Métis Community Services Society of BC organized a community dialogue in 2008 to identify Aboriginal community priorities for healthier families and children in the early years.
The Central Okanagan Aboriginal community ECD priorities are seen as interconnected and integral to wholeness. They are:
1. Create opportunities for community gatherings, connection
2. Support cultural ceremonies
3. Promote pride in culture and heritage
4. Increase public awareness of Aboriginal strengths
5. Encourage role models, especially Elders to play a more active part in guiding families with young children 6. Develop ways to share information in the Central Okanagan Aboriginal ECD community and beyond
7. Foster processes that heal and strengthen families and raise self esteem
8. Support opportunities for children to learn traditional languages and gain holistic knowledge of the natural environment
9. Advocate for basic needs to be met, especially the need for adequate and affordable housing |
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