Region’s first Indigenous child and family centre is now open

Waterloo Region – The region’s first child and family centre to offer Indigenous children opportunities to engage in their culture opened its doors today.

Anishnabeg Outreach’s Child and Family Centre will offer the same core services as EarlyON child and family programs, but in a way that its CEO says is culturally responsive and supportive of Indigenous children and families.

“Our centre will develop early learning programs associated with traditional and land-based wisdoms and skills,” said Stephen Jackson, CEO of Anishnabeg Outreach, the organization that manages and operates the centre. “For this we will rely on the guidance of Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and educators.”

Services will include free drop-in programs for parents and children up to age six that relate to engaging parents and caregivers, supporting early learning and development, and making connections to services in the community.

It will also offer pre and post-natal support programs and other supports for parents. The centre is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous children and families. Families can visit www.aocan.org for more information.

"We’re pleased to see the centre up and running,” said Barb Cardow, Director of Children’s Services with the Region of Waterloo. “It fills a gap in services for Indigenous families in Waterloo Region.”

The centre is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education The Region of Waterloo has oversight of this and other child and family programs as part of its role as a system manager for EarlyON programs in Waterloo Region.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

Stephen Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
Anishnabeg Outreach
226-972-1900
stephen@aocan.org

Sherry Morley
Communications Coordinator
Community Services, Region of Waterloo
519-883-2377
smorley@regionofwaterloo.ca