The FNHA is showcasing community success stories highlighting importance of culture

Children play with drums at the Uy'sqwalawun Childcare Centre

The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the Aboriginal Head Start On-Reserve (AHSOR) program, reflecting on the impact and legacy of early childhood learning and development supported in over 150 First Nations across BC.

“This is truly an important milestone not only for the FNHA but for First Nations children, families and communities across the province," says Denise Lacerte, FNHA Manager, Healthy Children and Youth. “It's a moment to celebrate the achievements of the AHSOR program while sharing our vision for the future." 

The FNHA has provided AHSOR program funding to over 70 percent of First Nations in BC, growing from 122 communities funded in 2018 to 151 in 2024. Over 3,300 spaces for First Nations children have been funded. The FNHA's vision is to expand Head Start programs so that every First Nations community has equal access, and that every First Nations child can have a head start.

“Early life care is critical to lifelong wellness," Lacerte says. “AHSOR focuses on early childhood development in a culturally appropriate manner, nurturing the spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth of a child. Every child deserves to have that support because every child matters."

The AHSOR program funding model provides flexibility to best fit the unique needs and priorities of the community. FNHA-funded AHSOR programs work with First Nations communities to locally design, deliver, and access wrap-around family wellness services and supports such as outreach, parent education, early intervention, and prevention services.

A two-day event taking place November 28 – 29 in Vancouver will bring together community members, early childhood educators, Elders and knowledge keepers from original and new sites to honour the AHSOR program's achievements and share inspiring stories.

Amanda Bob reflects on 17 years working in early child education

“Getting ready for this event has triggered many good memories and we've been digging up old photos," says Amanda Bob, Manager of Childcare Services at the Uy'sqwalawun Childcare Centre. “It's been nice reminiscing and seeing everybody as little kids and now they're adults and their kids are in the program."

The Nanoose First Nation expanded programming at the Uy'sqwalawun Childcare Centre in 2022 by opening a new building. Bob says the additional infrastructure enabled the community's Head Start program to go from being licensed for eight children to 72.

“That is a huge reflection that Nanoose First Nation takes pride in – that our kids come first," says Bob, who has worked in early childhood development in her community for 17 years.

Nanoose First Nation is one of four AHSOR programs from across BC featured in a new FNHA video highlighting the legacy and impact of Head Start that will be released for the first time at the celebration event on November 28.

The following short videos provide a sneak peak of what's to come.

Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve 25th Anniversary video one​

Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve 25th Anniversary video two

Aboriginal Head Start On Reserve 25th Anniversary video three​

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For more information visit fnha.ca/headstart