CULTURAL CONNECTIONS FOR KIDS

The Cultural Connections for Kids (CCK) program is a culturally immersive environment for the children who attend our childcare centres. The children are provided with daily cultural teachings that are delivered by the educators. Our pre-school and kindergarten aged children receive extra daily programming which focuses on nurturing cultural identity, language and increasing their cultural knowledge.

In the Cultural Connections for Kids program, the primary focus is on preschool children. There is also a very important parent inclusion component, recognizing that parents are a child’s first teacher. Parents have the chance to learn from the same community Elders, Knowledge Keepers and cultural people as their children do. Various opportunities include family nights and creating cultural activities designed to build and strengthen family experiences and strengthen community. Monthly cultural teachings by Elders or Knowledge Keepers and opportunities to participate in community events helps parents learn more about their own culture in a safe environment.

The children gain the self-confidence to be able to take what they learn and show it to the public. One of our children shared her knowledge by singing O’ Canada in Cree in her community of Carry the Kettle First Nation. She was also asked to say the Cree prayer. It is moments like these that show the effects and importance for the children in our care to learn about their culture or a culture of their peers.

The older children in the pre-k/kinder group are starting to engage in more of their own discussions around self-awareness, self-identity and understanding emotions. One child shared with the group that before he started at the centre he was very scared to come to a new place, but now he loves it here. This child is a 5-year-old male and a new immigrant to Canada. Moving to a new country with a different language and customs can be very difficult for anyone, let alone a young child. For him to express these feelings is a real testament to the type of environment that we are creating at our daycares.

“Thank you for everything over the years.” – A.L.

“We are learning about the bear of courage from the Grandfather Teachings and learning how to use our courage to channel our inner bear.” (her son was having a hard time during drop off) – S.L.

“Oh wow! I didn’t know the picture was going to be this big, they are so nice.” (Children’s Party – family portraits) – K.S.

“I’m glad she loves it here. She comes home with so many smiles.” – K.P.

“We cannot attend the event on Sept 30th but we are in full support.” (regarding the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Honour Walk and Awareness Event) – M.C.