Aboriginal Head Start Edmonton · Treaty 6

About Us

Aboriginal Head Start Association — Urban & Northern Communities

Kihew, a bald eagle, in flight with wings outstretched
Kihew — the Eagle

In 1995, the Government of Canada established Aboriginal Head Start Urban & Northern to enhance child development and school readiness for First Nation, Métis and Inuit children living in urban centres and large northern communities. Health Canada currently funds 134 early childhood development programs for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families across Canada.

The primary goal of the initiative is to demonstrate that locally controlled and designed early intervention strategies provide Aboriginal children with a positive self-identity, a desire for learning, and opportunities to develop fully as successful young people. The program serves preschool children ages 3–5.

What we focus on

Six program components

AHSUNC programming is built on six components, delivered through a culturally enriched curriculum.

  • An Elder sharing a book with two children at sunset, with a feather, inukshuk and hand drum

    Culture and Language

  • Children and an educator reading and building with blocks beneath a sign reading We Are All Learning Together

    Education and School Readiness

  • A health worker placing a bandage on a smiling child, with a first aid kit and a Healthy Today, Stronger Tomorrow poster

    Health and Safety Promotion

  • A caregiver and child sharing a meal surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetables

    Nutrition

    Using the Canadian Aboriginal Food Guide.

  • A circle of women and a child talking together beneath a sign reading Stronger Together, Building Community

    Social Support Networking

  • Two parents colouring alongside their child beneath a sign reading Together We Grow, We Learn, We Thrive

    Parental Involvement

Whole-child development

Guided by SPICE

Our approach nurtures every part of a child. Through the SPICE framework, we support growth in all areas of development.

A young child in a beaded jacket smiling while holding a hand drum

  • Physical

    Encouraging healthy bodies and active lifestyles.

  • Intellectual

    Fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and a love of learning.

  • Cultural

    Honouring identity, traditions, language, and community.

  • Emotional

    Supporting self-awareness, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Our commitments

  • Ensure high quality program delivery through culturally relevant traditional teachings
  • Employ qualified and caring staff
  • Support parents and caregivers as the primary teachers of their children
  • Engage parents and caregivers in program participation
  • Recognize and support extended families in teaching and caring for children
  • Seek community Elders’ participation and support
  • Involve community partners and cohorts
  • Build the child’s self-esteem and preserve cultural identity
  • Foster in the child a desire for life-long learning — making learning meaningful
  • Ensure transparent evaluation and accountability frameworks

Funders & Sponsors

The organizations that fund our work

Public Health Agency of Canada

The Public Health Agency of Canada provides the primary funding for the Aboriginal Head Start program. Its mission is to help the people of Canada maintain and improve their health outcomes, focusing on national health policy and systems; health promotion and protection, including disease, illness and injury prevention; and First Nation, Métis and Inuit health.

Amiskwaciy Cultural Society

The Amiskwaciy Cultural Society nurtures children’s and students’ gifts and talents by providing a strong support system committed to incorporating Aboriginal perspectives into their everyday lives.

The Society was created in 2013 to support Aboriginal students entering post-secondary education with financial and counselling supports. On review, it broadened its catchment to include children and youth, so that all Aboriginal young people can succeed not only in mainstream education but as individuals in life — with the role models and supports to feel valued and proud of who they are.

Alberta Education

Alberta Education develops curriculum and sets standards, assesses outcomes, oversees teacher development and certification, supports students with diverse learning needs, funds and supports school boards, and oversees First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Francophone education, along with basic education policy and regulations.

Partners

Community partners we work with