For over 15 years, NENAS has proudly operated Sas Natsadle, an Aboriginal Head Start program in Fort St. John that continues to uplift Indigenous children and families through culturally grounded early learning. As part of a broader provincial and national movement, Sas Natsadle has helped children connect with their language, traditions, and identity from their earliest years—laying a foundation of pride, belonging, and lifelong resilience.
Read the official media release from the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia below to learn more about 30 years of Aboriginal Head Start programs across the province.
NEWS RELEASE
Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia
For Immediate Release May 1, 2025
30 years of Aboriginal Head Start in B.C. strengthening society and young lives.
QUW’UTSUN’ (DUNCAN)– Providing 30 years of culturally centred early learning and childcare for Indigenous families across B.C. “Aboriginal Head Start programs have created lasting opportunities for children to grow up connected to their cultures, languages and traditions,” says Lisa Beare, B.C.’s Minister of Education and Child Care. “Our government is committed to expanding access to Indigenous-led childcare here in B.C. that not only supports families, but also strengthens identity, preserves culture and empowers future generations.”
“For 30 years, Aboriginal Head Start has and is making a difference in the lives of Indigenous children, families, and communities across Canada,” says Joan Gignac (Sagamok Anishnawbek), Executive Director, Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia (AHSABC).
This work began in Canada in 1995, as a federally funded early intervention initiative to ‘strengthen society’.
Growing from the original 12 AHSUNC preschools to an additional 31 AHS full day childcare programs, has led to collectively reaching over 1200 children and families. In B.C. AHS programs are the model inspiring the Growing AHS Initiative, increasing reach and creating more licensed childcare spaces, delivering programs with culture and language at heart.
AHSABC has been fulfilling Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #5 – “call upon the federal, provincial, territorial, and Aboriginal governments to develop culturally appropriate parenting programs for Aboriginal families,” with an accessible, high quality childcare model for Indigenous children and families.
With three more programs in the capital planning stages, AHSABC is committed and inspired to continue strengthening society and young lives.
Quotes:
AHSABC Board of Directors, Brendan Williams, (Tsideldel FN) Graduate of AHS “AHS has positively impacted my life in ways I am continually rediscovering. As a graduate, I feel as though I was set up for success in life at a young age.”
AHSABC Board of Directors, President Leila Aubichon, (Métis, Cree) Program Coordinator at Power of Friendship AHS, Prince George. “I’m so proud to have seen over the years, Aboriginal Head Start grow and evolve, offering our families and children the opportunity and resources they deserve to succeed and reach new heights.”
About AHSABC:
AHSABC is a non-profit society made up of the 43 urban AHS programs in B.C. In collaboration with AHS Parents, Elders, program partners and government, members share the responsibility of growing quality early learning environments. AHSABC provides support to AHS communities through their leadership in management, program design and evaluation. AHS is based on creating a holistic and safe environment, as a proven ‘Intergenerational Family Wellness’ program.
Quick Facts:
● AHS offer high quality, programs with culture and language as the foundation.
● Providing care and early education opportunities for Indigenous children and families who need it most, at no cost.
● AHS demonstrates the Early Learning and Child Care mandates of increased Accessibility, Quality and Affordability.
● Providing the ECE profession competitive working wages and benefits.
Available for interview: Joan Gignac, Executive Director AHSABC
To arrange an interview please contact odette.auger@ahsabc.com
www.ahsabc.com
PO Box 21058, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 0C2