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AHS Program Resources
In
this section of the website you will find specific information about the
National Aboriginal Head Start Council, the AHS Community Exchange Program,
International Exchanges, and about training. This is public information,
but it is posted here primarily for Aboriginal Head Start caregivers.
About the National Aboriginal Head Start Council
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Purpose of the NAHSC
The purpose of the National Aboriginal Head Start Council NAHSC is to
provide a forum for partnership between AHS Regional Community Representatives
and Health Canada. An Elder from the community in which
NAHSC meetings are held attends each meeting. The NAHSC protects the
integrity of the program and works towards success and program excellence
by:
- providing a voice for Aboriginal children, parents, families and communities;
- committing to the "statement of beliefs and values about children";
- adhering to the AHS Principles and Guidelines;
- contributing to the sharing of knowledge throughout all levels of
the program.
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Responsibilities of the NAHSC
- To develop, and oversee the implementation of national policies and
projects for the AHS program in the areas of training, national evaluation,
research, and others as appropriate.
- To lead national strategic planning for the program.
- To promote and advocate for program enhancements and expansion to
meet the needs of urban and northern Aboriginal communities across the
country.
- To act as a guardian to promote the spirit, and honour the integrity
of the program.
- To share information, ideas and knowledge that promote program excellence.
- To provide analysis on program effectiveness.
- For more detailed information about the roles and responsibilities
of NAHSC community representatives and Health Canada representatives,
please read the NAHSC Terms of Reference.
![About the NAHSC](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
Membership on the NAHSC
AHS Community Representatives elected to the NAHSC are affiliated with
an AHS site, and are of Aboriginal ancestry. The Aboriginal Community
Representatives are selected by provincial/territorial AHS bodies. The
NAHSC consists of AHS community representatives from provinces and territories
that have AHS projects, and Health Canada representatives as follows:
- 1 British Columbia representative
- 1 Yukon representative
- 1 Alberta representative
- 1 Northwest Territories representative
- 1 Nunavut representative
- 1 Saskatchewan representative
- 1 Manitoba representative
- 1 Ontario representative
- 2 Quebec representatives
- 1 Newfoundland and Labrador representative
- 1 Nova Scotia representative
- 1 New Brunswick representative
- 1 member from the Aboriginal Head Start section of the Division of
Childhood and Adolescence, Health Canada (National Office)
- 1 member representing Health Canada AHS Regional Program Consultants
- 1 member representing Health Canada PPHB Regional Directors
- 1 Metis, First Nations or Inuit Elder
![About the NAHSC](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
Activities of the NAHSC
The NAHSC has convened a variety of subcommittees that include outside
expertise to address a variety of topics such as evaluation and training.
Subcommittees work together to investigate, plan, and develop recommendations
which are presented to the full council. The following subcommittees are
actively involved in addressing national issues as needed:
- Strategic Planning Subcommittee
- Training Subcommittee
- Evaluation Subcommittee
- Linkages/Exchanges Subcommittee
- National Training Workshop Subcommittee
- Dispute Resolution Subcommittee
![About the NAHSC](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
About Community Exchanges
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Community Exchange Program
Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) successfully piloted community exchanges
based on a peer to peer learning concept in 1998/1999. The objectives
for the Community Exchange
Program provide participants with excellent opportunities for a valuable
personal and professional learning experience.
The AHS Program has completed two years of successful community exchanges
within Canada. We continue to incorporate lessons learned from each past
exchange, and the program improves each year as a result. Specific criteria
for participation, clear learning objectives, and detailed roles and responsibilities
for the exchange ensure that participants have a constructive experience.
The Community Exchange Program is for Health Canada-funded, Aboriginal
Head Start sites in urban and northern communities. If you are interested
in learning more about the AHS Community Exchange Program, contact the
AHS National Office.
![About Community Exchanges](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
Learning Objectives
- Increase and extend professional knowledge of the development, implementation,
and management of early intervention strategies for Aboriginal children
and their families through the sharing of knowledge, resources and best
practices;
- Develop a greater awareness and a deeper appreciation of the similarities
and differences which exist among Aboriginal groups in different regions
of the country, as well the adoption of new ideas, ideologies and concerns;
- Take pride in and share own communities cultural heritage, history
and goals in the area of early childhood development;
- Pass on the knowledge accumulated from successful implementation of
the AHS program in terms of implementing the six program components,
innovative solutions to ongoing participant and community challenges,
evaluation results, and future plans;
- Expand the confidence, initiative and leadership skills necessary
to work collaboratively to uphold the AHS guiding principles within
own community;
- Develop a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with an
AHS Program in another region.
![About Community Exchanges](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
What Do Participants Say About the Community
Exchange Program?
"We have a better understanding of how to ask our Elders to participate
in our program"
"The exchange was quite the experience. We gained so much knowledge
about the Inuit culture and how it is implemented into the program and
curriculum"
"To our surprise, the whole community came out to honour us ...
we never expected that kind of reception"
"Our major learning was how to work more with the parents in our
program"
"We will teach more Cree in our program as a result of the things
we learned during the exchange"
![About Community Exchanges](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
About International Exchanges
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International Exchange Program
AHS International Exchanges are in the developmental phase. An exchange
could involve a delegation of AHS community representatives and Health
Canada personnel who are directly involved in the delivery of the AHS
Program, and a delegation of early childhood education professionals involved
in the delivery of AHS-like programs in Chile. Such an exchange would
enable both sides to learn about models and innovations in culturally
sensitive, community-based education.
Work has been underway for approximately one year. Extensive investigation
into appropriate Latin American countries and potential partners has been
conducted by AHS personnel with the help of consultants. Chile has been
designated as the country of choice based on a variety of important criteria
(i.e., Indigenous populations, safety of travel, similarity of early intervention
programs). A detailed assessment of feasibility was completed along with
consultations with government officials, school officials and community
leaders in Chile. There has been a particular effort to ensure that the
Indigenous Chilean communities consent to and are involved in the exchange.
In November of 2000 during the World Congress of the World Organization
for Early Childhood Education, a preliminary visit with potential exchange
partners in Chile was conducted. During July and August of 2001, a three-person
delegation with AHS community representation representing AHS visited
Aboriginal early intervention programs in Chile. The goal was to investigate
the possibility of conducting a full International Exchange. A delegation
consisting of Richard Budgell (National Manager, AHS), Audrey Waite (Coordinator,
Comox Valley Aboriginal Head Start Program) and Judith Bernhard (consultant)
met with government personnel responsible for Aboriginal preschool programs
as well as Indigenous community leaders and child care centres in August
2001. The response from Chilean partners was very positive.
Planning for the next phase of the International Exchange Program is
underway. Stay tuned for more information.
![About International Exchanges](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
Learning Objectives
- Develop a greater awareness and a deeper appreciation of the similarities
and differences which exist among Indigenous populations in different
countries, as well the adoption of new ideas, ideologies and concerns
across borders;
- Acquire an understanding of how another country with Indigenous populations
conceptualizes early childhood education/intervention;
- Come face to face with the people, languages, cultures and history
of Indigenous communities in Latin America who occupy similar roles
in the field of early childhood intervention;
- Increase and extend their professional knowledge of the development,
implementation, and management of early intervention strategies for
Indigenous children and their families through the sharing of knowledge,
resources and best practices;
- Take pride in and share their own countries and communities cultural
heritage, history and goals in the area of early childhood development;
- Pass on the knowledge accumulated from five years of successful implementation
of the AHS program in terms of implementing the six program components,
innovative solutions to ongoing participant and community challenges,
evaluation results, and future plans;
- Gain insight into the challenges and efforts of Indigenous communities
in Latin America in the area of early childhood development, preserving
Indigenous culture and language, engaging parents, elders and the community
in programming, self government and socioeconomic stability;
- Attain a better understanding of their roles as early childhood educators
and program administrators for Aboriginal people, and how it fits into
the larger political, social, and cultural context of their work;
- Expand the confidence, initiative and leadership skills necessary
to work collaboratively to uphold the AHS guiding principles within
their own community;
- Develop a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship with an
early childhood development program in another country.
![About International Exchanges](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
About Training
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About Training
There are national and regional training events. National training is
coordinated by the AHS National Office and regional training is coordinated
by Health Canada Regional Offices. The AHS Program has determined that
there is a critical need for a coordinated and strategic plan that will
guide the direction of future training in the AHS Program. This involves
input from AHS community representatives, the National Aboriginal Head
Start Council (NAHSC), Health Canada Regional Offices and the National
Office. An AHS training plan will provide an effective, well-coordinated
and practical plan or framework for future training in AHS.
Training needs are identified through feedback from AHS staff, Health
Canada Program Consultants, and local, regional and national evaluation
data. The Training Subcommittee of the National Aboriginal Head Start
Council (NAHSC) reviews training approaches and programs that have been
identified as potentially useful in AHS, and decisions regarding the types
of training offered nationally are based on what fits best with AHS.
Often, a specific region or community identifies a training need that
is particular to their site, community or region. That type of training
is delivered on a local or regional basis. Most Health Canada Regional
Offices provide regular training and support to AHS sites on a local or
regional basis. Many regions also host an annual Regional Training Workshop.
Currently, the training described on this website consists mainly of
training that is coordinated by the AHS National Office and is offered
to all AHS sites across Canada. Contact a AHS
Program Consultant in your respective region to find out more about
regional training opportunities.
![About Training](/web/20061212020020im_/http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/dca-dea/images/top.gif)
National Aboriginal Head Start Training Workshop
The National AHS Training Workshop is an annual three-day event coordinated
by the AHS National Office in Ottawa with assistance from the region in
which the workshop is held. The workshop is held in a different city each
year. It is a special event in the AHS community and brings together approximately
400 AHS delegates and guests from the north, south, east and west. A variety
of workshop sessions are provided in English, French and Inuktitut. Each
year, several seats are made available to First Nations Head Start On
Reserve Program delegates, and as of 2001, First Nations and Inuit Child
Care Program delegates.
Elders representing a variety of Aboriginal cultures participate in each
year's workshop and play a vital role in guiding workshop activities,
providing reflections and support. During the event, an evening Banquet,
Awards and Cultural Presentation is well attended in which Aboriginal
culture and the success of AHS is celebrated. A trade show and AHS site
displays are also a regular part of workshop proceedings.
Each year, the workshop organizers choose a workshop "theme"
and sessions that reflect high-priority training needs in AHS. Some workshop
topics are repeated each year because many topics are ever-changing and
require ongoing training, and because we encourage sites not to send the
same person to the workshop year after year. Some of the recurring workshop
topics include evaluation, curriculum development, special needs, parental
involvement and cultural programming.
- 2001 "Creating the Best Learning Environments" ...
Edmonton, Alberta
For the sixth national conference, the focus was on teachers and educators.
Sessions were offered on a variety of topics such as: the Work Sampling
System; FAS/FAE and special needs training; incorporating local culture
and language into curriculums; home visiting; and a number of other
early childhood development and professional development workshops directed
at educators. Special guest speakers included: Don Burnstick performing
his one-man play "I am Alcohol"; the Honourable Ms. Pearl
Calahasen, Minster of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development in
Alberta who welcomed delegates and provided opening remarks; and Cherry
Kingsley, keynote speaker. The Honourable Ethel Blondin-Andrew joined
guests at the evening banquet to present the first-ever AHS Volunteer
of the Year Awards to three outstanding volunteers, and to launch the
new publication Johnny National, Super Hero by Tomson Highway.
- 2000 "Parental Involvement, The Journey to Success"
... Ottawa, Ontario
In 2000, the focus was on parental involvement. One parent from each
site across the country was sponsored by Health Canada to attend. Sessions
were offered on a variety of topics such as: involving fathers; defining
roles in AHS; increasing parental participation; national AHS principles
and guidelines; leadership and motivation; High/Scope philosophy; program
evaluation; Parent Advisory Committees; and more. Special guest speakers
included: Ian Potter, Assitant Deputy Minster of the First Nations and
Inuit Health Branch of Health Canada who welcomed delegates and provided
opening remarks; and John Kim Bell, founder of the National Aboriginal
Achievement Awards. Susan Aglukark was the surprise keynote speaker
at the evening banquet, and she delighted guests by performing "Amazing
Grace" in Inuktitut.
- 1999 "Children of Promise - Tomorrows Leaders" ...
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
This workshop included sessions on: traditional teaching tools; asset
building for children; partnering with parents; creating safety for
children; learning styles; language development; evaluation; and more.
- 1998 "AHS - Strengthening Children and Families"
... Ottawa, Ontario
The 1998 workshop provided a wide range of learning opportunities for
AHS staff, parents, board members and guests. Sessions were offered
on topics such as;FAS/FAE; conflict resolution; problem solving; team
work; culture in the classroom; early childhood development; exploring
culture with preschoolers; the High/Scope approach; and more.
- 1997 "Building the Spirit of the Child" ... Winnipeg,
Manitoba
The 1997 workshop achieved a number of key objectives that assist AHS
sites in continuing to provide quality service to program participants.
Sessions focussed on: curriculum development; training staff; preschool
approaches; building resiliency in children; and more.
- 1996 "Our Way" ... Edmonton, Alberta
The goal of the first training workshop was to provide project and community
representatives with information and resources that would be of use
in the design and development of their projects. Sessions focussed on:
Aboriginal parenting; evaluation; sponsor responsibility; nurturing
environments; culture-based programming; reinforcing traditional values;
blending traditional beliefs; strategic planning; and more.
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