The project will first identify major cultural groups living in Vancouver and develop a program in consultation with each tribe. Each program will include: tribal spirituality, morals, ethics, self-discipline, protocols, behaviour, honor and respect.

Children will learn songs and dances that are unique to their particular tribal group. Their parents and grandparents and extended family members will become involved through teaching their songs and dances, in addition to making the regalia needed to perform the dances. Children will learn the history surrounding the particular songs and dances, and hear stories of their respective home communities, locale and people. Children will learn the dances, while benefiting physically through the rigorous movements required for each dance.

This project will involve children, parents, and extended families in positive recreational activities. It will involve family and community members of all ages.
All partner agencies can play a major role in hosting performances. Possible venues to showcase the dances include: local powwows, potlatches, and of course the annual VNHS Early Childhood Development Conference.

Rationale for the Project

Holistic Aboriginal approaches normally encompass four elements: intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual. This project will complement the existing VAECS program, providing those elements that are not currently offered within the existing services and approaches.

Through song and dance, the children will become more aware of their identity and heritage. This will improve self-esteem and self-confidence. It will truly be a project where the many first nations that are in the Lower Mainland can come together to display the wealth of their ancestors in song and dance, building community confidence and self-sufficiency.

Building Capacity

This project will directly benefit those families who become involved in the learning and recreational activities. Moreover, the staff involved in the Aboriginal Early Childhood Development and Family Support Program will also be learning their own and other aboriginal traditions, songs and dances. Both staff and families will pass on their new learning and abilities to the community-at-large.

The project will enrich the lives of aboriginal families and the community-at-large. It will leave a lasting impression of the wealth of aboriginal cultures, adding to the strength and resilience of the community.

Collaboration and Partnerships

The existing partners will be invited to participate as host agencies: Kiwassa Neighbourhood House, Ray-Cam Cooperative Centre, Urban Native Youth
Association, Cedar Cottage Neighbourhood House, Helping Spirit Lodge and Britannia Community Services Centre. Other Centres such as the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, South Vancouver Neighbourhood House, the Metis Family Association, Kla-How-Ya Society, VACFSS and others will be invited to participate as well.

Project Evaluation

Regular meetings with everyone involved to update the Program Manager will be on-going. This will ensure immediate utilization of suggestions for improving the initiative.

At the end of the program, all participants (including the children where feasible) will complete an evaluation form providing feedback on level of satisfaction, perceived long and short-term value, and suggestions for improving the program. These evaluations will provide input into the final evaluation of the project that will include input from the Elders, and feedback from the various partners.