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Caroline Zentner
lethbridge herald
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Aboriginal children living in Lethbridge will get a head start thanks to one-time funding from the federal government.
The Opokaa'sin Early Intervention Society will use the $550,0000 for its culturally based preschool-readiness program.
"When we see an organization like the Opokaa'sin Society, it's not just how well it's being operated but the projects that are being done here are so worthy and so worthwhile that it's a pleasure to be able to support this," said Jim Hillyer, Lethbridge MP, who made the announcement Monday on behalf of Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq. "We understand, as with all people, education is the key to future success and it goes without saying that investing in the education of these young people is not just an investment in their future but in the future of all of Canada."
Tanya Pace-Crosschild, executive director of the Opokaa'sin Intervention Society, said the funding represents coming full circle.
"It's been just over 100 years that government has started up the residential schools and the policy of assimilating our First Nations people. Now here it is 2013 and we have our children, our education and our early childhood given back to us," she said.
The funding is critical to providing the preschool program as many families can't afford to send their children to a private preschool, she said. And early learning is key to success in kindergarten and beyond.
"If you look at all the research on brain and behaviour it focuses on those zero to six years that are such crucial times," Pace-Crosschild said.
The program is for children aged three to five. A parent or caregiver attends with the child four times a week to participate in activities that will prepare them for school. Children learn about health and nutrition practices and gain knowledge of aboriginal culture and language. Parents and caregivers also receive parenting support and skill-building information so they can be actively involved in their child's education. So far 30 children participate in the program. Space limitations in the society's current location prevent it from expanding even though demand for the program is much higher.
Opokaa'sin is preparing to move to the vacant building, formerly a pool hall and bar, at the corner of Stafford Drive and 2A Avenue North. The society is raising funds to renovate the building and they hope to move in by summer. The extra space would allow them to expand their programs.
"We need to make sure that we identify the families that need the extra help and that need the extra services," she said.
The funding comes from the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities program of the Public Health Agency of Canada.