Services for Aboriginal families with children

While the services in this guide are available to all Canadian families, the following services are specifically for Aboriginal families. The Aboriginal Canada Portal provides information on Canadian Aboriginal economic development, learning and employment, health, culture, justice and urban life.

The First Nations and Inuit Child Care program provides parents living in First Nations and Inuit communities with affordable, quality childcare while they work or take training. The program also promotes healthy child development through day-care programs that reflect First Nations and Inuit beliefs and values.

Aboriginal Head Start consists of two programs designed to give Aboriginal children the best possible start in life. One program is for First Nations, Inuit and Metis children living in urban and Northern communities. The other program is for First Nations children living on reserve. Both programs focus on culture and language, education, health promotion, nutrition, social support programs, and parental involvement.
1 866 225-0709

For First Nations families and their children living on reserve

First Nations National Child Benefit Reinvestment provides communities with resources to design and implement programs and services that help low-income families and children. Projects include hot-lunch programs, cultural enrichment activities and skills training. For more information, contact your local health centre or band office, or your regional Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office.
1 800 567-9604
TTY: 1 866 553-0554

The First Nations Child and Family Services Program provides culturally sensitive child and family services on reserve to children at risk and their families. For more information about services in your community, contact your band administrator or your regional Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office.
1 800 567-9604
TTY: 1 866 553-0554

Children who live on reserves and attend an elementary or secondary school on a reserve can have their education costs covered by the Elementary/Secondary Education Program. Costs may also be covered if your child is First Nations and attends a provincial or territorial public school. Contact your band office to see how to apply for funding.

If you are an Aboriginal student, you may be able to get financial support for tuition, books and other education costs. Every year, the Post-Secondary Education Program gives more than 27,000 First Nations students money they need to attend universities, colleges or other recognized post-secondary institutions. There are also hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and awards available to all Aboriginal students.
1 800 567-9604
TTY: 1 866 553-0554

The Family Violence Prevention Program gives operational funding to shelters to provide culturally appropriate services in First Nations communities. This program also funds community-based programs that aim to prevent incidents of family violence on reserve. For more information, contact your local health centre or band office, or your regional Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office.
1 800 567-9604
TTY: 1 866 553-0554

If you are a First Nations family in need of social assistance, you may be eligible for help with your food, clothing and shelter needs. The Social Assistance Program enables First Nations communities to help those in need. For more information, contact your band office or your regional Indian and Northern Affairs Canada office.
1 800 567-9604
TTY:1 866 553-0554

Published: October 2003 Updated: 2005-10-28	Top	Important Notices