ÎYÂRHE NAKODA – A new Head Start program space is in planning for Mînî Thnî’s youngest students.
Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation currently offers the Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve program through Stoney Health Services. It offers a place for Indigenous students, aged three to five-years-old to receive a strong educational foundation in culture and language.
“This is similar to a preschool program but is culturally based,” said Stoney Health Services executive director Aaron Khan.
“We have been approved for a new building after we did the initial feasibility study and design, and a needs assessment.”
The new facility is proposed for construction south of the community’s existing daycare and will also consist of a new playground and parking lot.
Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve focuses on six program components: Indigenous culture and language, education and school readiness, health promotion, nutrition, social support, and parental involvement.
“This space will be very important for early learning and provide opportunity to our young kids and families,” said Khan.
Activities currently offered through the program include outdoor-based learning and play, elder visits, free play, arts and crafts, science, cooking, circle time, and music and drama.
Currently, it operates from September through June, Monday to Friday, with half-day class options from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from noon to 2:30 p.m.
The project was proposed by Stoney Tribal Administration and was approved by Indigenous Services Canada. It will require relocation of the daycare parking area and playground.
A Head Start facility is also in planning for the Îyârhe Nakoda First Nation community of Bighorn, west of Nordegg.
The Outlook reached out to program facilitators and Stoney Tribal Administration’s director of capital projects and will update this story if more information becomes available.
The Head Start program based in Mînî Thnî is accepting registrations for the 2024-25 preschool year and those interested can reach out to [email protected] or call 403-881-4200.
The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. The position covers Îyârhe (Stoney) Nakoda First Nation and Kananaskis Country.
