Aboriginal Community
Children’s Services
consulted with the Aboriginal community in 2007 to identify the need for programs and services for Aboriginal families with children aged birth to six years. Children’s Services formed the Peel Aboriginal Steering Committee (PASC) to:
- Raise awareness among Peel residents (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people) about the Aboriginal People’s heritage and culture.
- Develop programs for Aboriginal families.
How is Children’s Services involved?
- Children’s Services, in partnership with PASC, organizes the annual A Gathering: Peel’s Aboriginal Celebration. A Gathering provides a valuable opportunity to reach out to the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities and to raise awareness of the Aboriginal heritage and culture in Peel.
Over 900 people enjoyed the first A Gathering in June 2008, which included Aboriginal entertainment, Elder teachings, cultural displays and Early Years exhibits.
- Our Community Engagement Specialist and Early Childhood Outreach Worker for the
Aboriginal Community:
- Bring Aboriginal resources and information to early learning and child care programs through Aboriginal resource kits.
- Provide training to early learning and child care service providers.
- Co-ordinate PASC’s activities, including raising awareness of the broader community about the committee and its work
- Children’s Services organized an evening for
Aboriginal families to get together and provide input into what Aboriginal services and programs are needed in Peel. Cultural teachings were provided to the 10 families and the 20 children who
participated in
drumming, singing and craft activities.
Children’s Services, in partnership with Peel’s Aboriginal groups plan
to offer more of these get-togethers in the near future.
