The Alberta Aboriginal Head Start Association (AAHSA) is a non-profit, member-based society comprising fifteen Aboriginal Head Start in Northern and Urban Community (AHSUNC) program coordinators, whose names have been put forward by their sponsor agencies, to act as members and directors of the Association.
AAHSA is dedicated to supporting AHSUNC programs across Alberta to provide high quality AHS programming that nurtures the healthy development and well-being of Aboriginal children and their families. It is also committed to acting as a voice for Aboriginal children, their families, AHSUNC programs and the communities in which they reside. It provides training for AHSUNC programs and opens up some training to Aboriginal Head Start Programs on Reserve (AHSOR) staff members. It also provides educators with access to learning and cultural resources, links to education, learning and funding opportunities, and other resources that would support AHSUNC programs in the delivery of quality programs.
In 1995, the Alberta Aboriginal Head Start Committee was established, working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), with the aim of establishing a regional network of Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) programs across the Alberta Region. This dedicated group of fifteen coordinators, with support from their AHSUNC sponsoring agencies, has since become a catalyst for meaningful change, not only in their local communities but also at the provincial and national levels.
Weaving their efforts together, these coordinators have gathered to create a safe space for program updates, meaningful discussions, training, land-based learning and the sharing of their knowledge, expertise and wisdom. They have developed a common vision: to create positive change, enhance program quality, and ensure that AHSUNC programs are well-resourced and capable of meeting the individual needs of Indigenous children and families in their programs.
Throughout their journey, their commitment has circled around improving the lives of Indigenous children, families, and dedicated educators involved in their AHSUNC programs. They place an emphasis on the six program components of the Aboriginal Head Start programs, including:
Since 2022, the fifteen AHSUNC program coordinators have undertaken strategic planning that has led to establishing itself as a non-profit entity, one that provides supports, services and training to its member AHSUNC programs, while acting as a voice for Indigenous children, families and AHSUNC programs in Alberta. The coordinators are looking forward to how the next stage of their journey will unfold.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) calls on “the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate early childhood education programs for Aboriginal families.” — Call to Action #12
Aboriginal Head Start directly involves parents and the community in the design and implementation of preschool projects. Projects include the promotion of cultures and languages, education, health, nutrition counselling and improved social supports.
The overall well-being and healthy development of Indigenous children and families through a cultural and holistic approach.
The Aboriginal Head Start Association of Alberta promotes, supports and enhances urban and northern Indigenous head start programs by providing resources, information and learning opportunities that support the growth and development of children, families and communities.
