Fostering a strong start in the journey to Truth and Reconciliation
April 2, 2019
Soon babies and toddlers who attend StrongStart centres in the Langley School District will be getting exposure to some new Aboriginal content. On Monday, facilitators of the free, play-based, drop-in early learning program, took part in a workshop on a resource that will help deepen their understanding of Aboriginal culture and history, and also help families gain an understanding.
Facilitators of the nine centres in the District learned how to use the Traditional Homes and Totems Kit. It’s a resource that has been developed with careful consultation and collaboration with First Nations Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The workshop was led by Brenda Redden, Many Voices, One Mind Coordinator.
The brightly coloured kit contains toddler-friendly, educational toys such as a handcrafted wooden longhouse, a felt play mat complete with a tee pee and pit houses.
Amanda Slade, District Coordinator for Early Years, says the kit and the training that comes with it is unique and meaningful.
“This is special because the school district has such an important role to play in Truth and Reconciliation. By helping others understand, we can move forward better within our own communities. When I was younger, I had limited and skewed knowledge of Aboriginal culture and history. I never even knew about residential schools until I was an adult. With this workshop staff will help share understandings with many generations, young children, and their caretakers,” explains Slade.
As part of the training, participants learned about cultural significance of the contents in the kit and how to incorporate them into storytelling and sharing. Slade says Aboriginal understandings are now part of our conversations and actions within the District, no matter the age group.
“StrongStart is such an important part of that school system, it only makes sense to include it in our actions toward Truth and Reconciliation,” she adds.
For information on the StrongStart program in the Langley School District go here.