GINOOGAMING FIRST NATION — A new Aboriginal Head Start program in Ginoogaming First Nation will help double the number of children they can accommodate, and will help improve access to community-driven, culturally appropriate programming for young children.
The community, which led the construction of the facility, celebrated its opening on Feb. 22, 2022, with a traditional smudging ceremony performed by Elder Victor Chapais. A ribbon-cutting and grand opening will be held at a later date when COVID-19 protocols allow for them.
The community-owned and operated facility enables Ginoogaming First Nation to more than double the number of children they can accommodate, improving access to community-driven, culturally appropriate programming for children from birth to age six.
Ginoogaming is an Anishnawbe First Nation located in Northern Ontario, approximately 40 kilometres east of Geraldton, on the north shore of Long Lake.
"I congratulate Ginoogaming First Nation on their vision and work to design and build a new Aboriginal Head Start on Reserve facility. This new space will play a key role in providing rich and culturally appropriate early learning that fosters a strong sense of identity and belonging," said Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu.
AHSOR's model combines traditional activities identified by communities with the promotion of Indigenous languages and cultures. Through its AHSOR program, Ginoogaming strives to provide a home-like environment where children feel safe and can achieve their potential. Staff instills a sense of belonging in the children by serving them traditionally prepared wild foods; sharing legends; and organizing a variety of activities, including musical activities, field trips and visits from Elders.
AHSOR’S holistic approach encourages First Nations parents, families and community members to get involved and build on relationships with other community-based programs and services to ensure that First Nations children get the best care throughout their development.
Ginoogaming's new facility is approximately 550 square metres which is a significant upgrade from the previous children's facility. As a result, it can facilitate up to 71 children to participate in regular programming. The community is planning summer programs for school-aged kids and when COVID-19 restrictions are eased, the facility will also welcome children from the surrounding area.
Chief Sheri Taylor, Ginoogaming First Nation, recognized the hard work and dedication demonstrated by both the First Nation and its funders, in order to make this a reality in their new Aboriginal Head Start facility. She shared her views by saying that, “It is so important for our children to have the environment needed to support their early learning years, for we know it helps to build a solid foundation for life-long learning. We know how crucial it is to support our children and youth with education programs and facilities. As we continue to look at ways to reduce the gap in First Nation infrastructure for our community, this marks the first of many projects we hope to get underway for Ginoogaming First Nation."
Ginoogaming First Nation Timber Claim Trust contributed $750,000 to this project, and an additional $20,000 was provided by Greenstone Gold Mines. ISC invested $3,080,423 to fund the facility's design and construction, bringing the total project cost to $3,850,423.
Language, culture and learning are crucial elements of early childhood development and have an important impact on Indigenous children throughout their lives. AHSOR facilities provide cultural and language services and support that allow children to develop a strong sense of identity and help them learn and retain their First Nations languages.
