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Cultural experiences

At Aboriginal Head Start in Edmonton, culture is woven into every part of the children’s day. The program offers opportunities for children to explore their roots, learn about their traditions, and build a strong sense of identity, community and belonging.

    • An Elder stirs a bowl of bannock dough while children watch from around the table.
    • Four children shaping coloured playdough together at a low wooden table.
    • A child scrapes a stretched hide with a bone tool while a mentor steadies it.
    • Children and two cultural mentors sitting together on a blanket in the trees.
    • Children gathered around a tray to look closely at a fish being prepared.
    • Children and staff laying out wooden poles on the grass to raise a frame.
    • A child wearing a green capote with a woven sash, outdoors on a fall day.
    • Children grinding dried meat with stones on plates, seated on a hide in the park.
    • A child's hands resting on a fish laid out in a tray during a land-based lesson.

  • Traditional teachings and story sharing

    Elders, Knowledge Keepers and cultural mentors visit to share teachings, stories and legends that pass on values, history and traditional knowledge, along with language and traditional songs.

  • Language

    Children are introduced to Indigenous languages through greetings, songs and simple phrases, helping them develop familiarity and pride in their cultural languages.

  • Drumming, singing and movement

    Drumming, singing and movement activities introduce children to the rhythms, celebrations and cultural expressions of Indigenous communities.

  • Cultural crafts and hands-on learning

    Children create meaningful projects such as beadwork-inspired art, painting and traditional crafts that connect them to cultural symbolism and creativity.

  • Learning on the Land

    Outdoor time includes exploring nature, learning about plants and animals, exploring how things work done Ayân (long ago), and understanding the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the land.

  • Elders and caregivers

    Elders and parents/caregivers are welcomed into the program to guide activities, share stories and support cultural learning across generations.

  • Community gatherings

    Community gatherings are attended where possible — feasts, cultural events and seasonal celebrations.

A young child in a feathered headdress and beaded regalia at a powwow.

Cultural learning is central to the program’s philosophy. By nurturing language, traditions and identity every day, Aboriginal Head Start supports children’s emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive growth — helping them feel grounded, proud and connected.

Culture team

The people who carry the culture

  • Felice GladueCulture Coordinator Read Felice Gladue’s biography

    Felice Gladue is proudly rooted to the historic Métis community of St. Laurent, Manitoba and also celebrates her Bajan heritage from her father’s side, with family ties to the beautiful island of Barbados.

    Felice and her family live, learn, play, and pray in Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation within Alberta. She is married to her true-love voyageur, Trevor Gladue, a proud Métis nêhiyaw man from Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta. Together, they are raising their kind-hearted children — Roberta, Willow and Sage, carrying forward traditions with love, laughter, and purpose.

    A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education in 1997, Felice has inspired a love of learning and a sense of Indigenous pride with Aboriginal Head Start children and families since 2003.

    Felice is celebrated for her powerful gift of bringing Indigenous history, culture, and traditional arts alive through storytelling, song, dance, and imaginative play. Felice treasures her time at Aboriginal Head Start and is most thankful for the many teachings the children have given with her and the blessings she has received from both the children and families. Aboriginal Head Start will always be close to her heart. nanâskomowin

  • Lee-Anne WhiteCulture Support Read Lee-Anne White’s biography

    Lee-Anne White is a proud member of Alexander First Nation, where she was born and raised within the rich traditions of Cree culture. Growing up immersed in the teachings, language, and ways of knowing of her community and surrounding Cree Nations, Lee-Anne developed a deep respect for her heritage and a strong commitment to giving back.

    For more than 20 years, Lee-Anne has dedicated her career to working with children, particularly within Indigenous communities. Throughout her professional journey, she has worked in many different areas supporting Indigenous peoples, gaining valuable experience across diverse roles and programs. No matter where her path has taken her, she has always found her true calling in working with children — supporting their growth, nurturing their strengths, and helping them build strong cultural identities.

    Driven by her passion for community service and professional growth, Lee-Anne returned to school to obtain her IBSW designation. This accomplishment further strengthened her ability to advocate for and support children and families with skill, compassion, and cultural understanding.

    A proud mother of two wonderful children, Lee-Anne carries her roles as both parent and community helper with great pride. Sharing Cree culture, traditions, and ways of knowing is one of the greatest highlights of her work. She believes that empowering children through cultural connection builds resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

    Lee-Anne White continues to be guided by the teachings of her ancestors and her community, dedicating her life’s work to uplifting children and ensuring that culture remains at the heart of healing, learning, and growth.

  • Lyle LaBoucane

    Mosom

Site photography by Bert Crowfoot™