Indigenous Cultural Competency for Early Childhood Education
In honour of Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, we are reposting this blog from February 2018. It has been updated to include further resources.
“Cultural competency is both knowledge and behavior that enable practitioners to provide quality care to diverse peoples in a way that is sensitive to differences. Culturally competent service providers are more likely to recognize the effects of colonial history on Aboriginal people and adapt the way care is provided to more effectively meet our distinct needs.” – Okanagan Nation Alliance
Cultural competency, in combination with cultural awareness and sensitivity, is a key step towards cultural safety. A culturally safe environment is free from discrimination, racism and other barriers. It is a place where people feel safe using or receiving the services offered. Before this goal can be reached, we must educate ourselves and self-reflect upon the personal and systemic biases that exist for the Indigenous peoples of Canada. The project outlined below is an excellent first step towards providing culturally competent and safe early childhood education.
The ECE Cultural Competency Project is a series of five cultural competency video modules for Early Childhood Educators. It was created in a partnership between the Musqueam Nation, BC Aboriginal Child Care Society, City of Vancouver, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and other community partners.
Welcome from LANTERN FILMS on Vimeo.
2: Identities and Beliefs from LANTERN FILMS on Vimeo.
3: The Indian Act from LANTERN FILMS on Vimeo.
4: Residential Schools, 60s Scoop, Legacy of Kids in Care from LANTERN FILMS on Vimeo.
5: The Future of Early Childhood Education from LANTERN FILMS on Vimeo.
Click here for This Land: A Companion Resource for Earl Childhood Educators to accompany Five Short Films.
To learn more about Indigenous cultural competency, check out the resources below.
Resources
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