Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia
Research and Publications
AHSUNC: A Family Wellness Model
Recent research on Family Engagement in AHSUNC Programs in British Columbia by Dr. Alison Gerlach and AHSABC concluded that the foundation for successful programs for Indigenous families is trusted relationships.
When families feel accepted, understood and respected through ongoing, deep connections with consistent staff, they develop a sense of efficacy and belonging.
In this way, AHSUNC programs benefit not only young children but also their parents, families and community.
Brief Summary: AHS Family Research 2017
Family Engagement in AHSUNC
PHAC Report 2018
AHSUNC: Observations and Feedback from our AHS Community
At our 20th Anniversary Celebration of AHSUNC in Vancouver, AHSABC hosted a gathering for three days in July 2015. Past AHS graduates from across the country, along with staff, Elders, families and guests, shared feasts, entertainment and conversations about the impact of AHS in their lives. Read our Reflections Paper written by Monique Gray Smith about what she witnessed and learned from the 20th Anniversary Celebration.
In 2015, Dr. Georgina Martin from the UBC Faculty of Education wrote an Analysis of written submissions from the AHS Graduates from across Canada who attended our 20th Anniversary Celebration in Vancouver BC.
Her article includes reflections from the youth participants, presented according to the Medicine Wheel themes of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual essences of the whole being.
"The youth affirmed that the AHS program gave them a very strong foundation in their development from child to teen and into young adulthood in a very positive environment.Many of the youth acknowledged how the lessons learned at AHS continually complements their self‐image and self‐esteem while others are currently involved with AHS or are young parents sending their child to AHS. Aboriginal Head Start definitely made a positive and intergenerational impact from past to present in the lives of the former participants.”
– Dr. Georgina Martin
In 2010, AHSABC marked the 15th Anniversary of AHSUNC programs in Canada by compiling a Narrative Report called Valuing Aboriginal Head Start in BC: Celebrating 15 Years (1995-2010). Based on interviews with staff, parents, Elders and AHS grads, it is a collection of stories from AHS community members across our province.
IELCC: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care
In 2017, the Government of Canada requested input from Indigenous organizations regarding the benefits and needs of their IELCC programs.
AHSABC engaged families and staff at AHSUNC centres across the country to take part in surveys to give us feedback about the values and challenges of their Aboriginal Head Start programs.
The following three documents were compiled following the engagement process:
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AHSABC Report to IELCC from AHSUNC sites in BC
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National IELCC Survey Results compiled and summarized by an independent researcher
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National IELCC Slideshow Presentation outlines the National survey results
NOTE: The National Survey Results and slideshow are also available in French by contacting AHSABC.
AHSABC Report to IELCC
National IELCC Slideshow Presentation
National IELCC Survey Results
Résultats de la consultation des centres du PAPACUN
