FUNDED BY: Children First, Ministry of Children and Family Development & Success By 6® partnership between Ministry of Children & Family Development, Credit Unions of BC, United Ways and communities.
Talking Little Feet
TALKING LITTLE FEET is the newly formed Aboriginal Early Childhood Council, created as part of the Success By 6 Aboriginal Engagement Strategy. Success by 6 is working to enhance the lives of Aboriginal children age 0-6 and their families.
The Talking Little Feet council presently has ten members and maintains strong Aboriginal representation. Many parents of Aboriginal heritage report not having had an opportunity to connect and learn about their culture and tradition but would like their children to have this pportunity.
In response to this identified need for cultural connection, the council is looking to support Aboriginal family gatherings in Castlegar, Trail, Salmo, Kaslo, Nakusp and the Slocan Valley. Nelson already has such a gathering through Kootenay Kids called “Little Robes”. These gatherings will focus on Aboriginal preschool children but older siblings are also welcomed.
The Council is also supporting two members from the region to participate in a traditional parenting practices training. The training will be brought back to our area with a plan to train others who are interested in facilitating traditional parenting groups. An Elders advisory council will be created to contribute to the traditional parenting curriculum in an effort to capture and honour the cultural diversities of our local communities.
If you are interested in:
- Information about the council;
- Becoming a member of the council or giving some input;
- Attending a traditional parenting practices parenting group; or
- Information about an Aboriginal family gathering in your area;
Contact Kris Taks by EMAIL (phone 250-365-2104 or 250-304-3545) or Diane Madland by EMAIL (phone 250 352-6678) or Val Mayes by EMAIL (phone 250 352-6786)
You can visit the Talking Little Feet web site here: www.talkinglittlefeet.com
Calendar of Events
Little Robes - Nelson
When: Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month from 10-12
Where: The Family Place, Nelson, BC, 312 Silica St.
What: Aboriginal playgroup for families with children ages 0-6. Food, crafts, friends, fun!
Little Robes – Castlegar
When: 4:30-6:30pm November 25th, December 16th, January 20th, February 17th
Where: Neighborhood House – Kootenay Family Place
What: Aboriginal playgroup for families with children ages 0-6. Food, crafts, friends, fun!
Traditional Parenting and Personal Healing Group for Parents
Where: The Family Place (Nelson), 312 Silica St.
When: 4:00-7:00pm on January 24th, February 7th, March 7th, April 11th , May 2nd and Saturday June 4th from 10:00-2:00pm
Parents need to pre-register
Contact info: Danica Lee, Aboriginal Early Intervention Coordinator, 250 352 6678 ext 231
LCAFN Drum Circle
Tuesday and Thursday LCAFN office in Castlegar at 2:30pm
LCAFN MH&AS Support Group
Every Thursdays at LCAFN from 11:00am-2:00pm
Contact Lisa Sloot at 250 304-2246
Nakusp Aboriginal Circle of Women (CAW)
Every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community Services
Contact: Faith Louie-Adams 250-265-3674
Métis Traditional parenting Circles
Castlegar – begins Feb 3 from 9am to 12:30 – six week group ending March 10 2011
Contact: Kris Taks or Marguerite Hinde at CDCSS 250-365-2104
