Deer Lake Head Start heads to Kahnawake, Quebec for Community Exchanges Program
For the Second year in a row, the Aboriginal Head Start Program in Deer Lake has been selected to participate in a Canada-wide Community Exchanges Program. Last year staff members travelled to Mistawasis First Nation in Saskatchewan to exchange ideas and information. This year the group will travel to Kahnawake, Quebec.
Last year 16 sites were selected to take part in the Community Exchanges Program but because of overwhelming success, Health Canada increased the number of participating sites to 30 sites this year. Head Start sites are paired based on strengths and weaknesses.
Deer Lake Head Start has had tremendous success in its Culture and Language component of the Program. With the guidance and assistance from Elders and dedicated community members, the Program has been more active in exposing its students to traditional lifestyle practices.
Deer Lake Head Start hopes to get ideas on networking and creating linkages with other programs in the community. With a stronger emphasis on creating a working relationship with the local school.
The Exchange visits will take place in the fall 2006.