Success by 6, South Vancouver Island has identified Aboriginal Engagement as one of its top priorities as we recognize the importance of establishing relationships and cross cultural understanding to support young children in our community. The Council of Partners has identified three strategies to support this engagement which include: support to the Aboriginal Early Childhood Development Network, First Nations Community Projects, and Leadership Dialogue.

Throughout the years, Aboriginal Early Childhood Education Providers across Canada have built on the strengths of the diverse Aboriginal cultures and contexts to develop programs that support Aboriginal children, families and communities. As the richness of knowledge and experience developed, so did the vision of creating a shared space to celebrate Aboriginal knowledge, skills and resources while respecting cultural protocols for knowledge sharing.

In 2008 the South Vancouver Island Success By 6 ® council of partners supported a full time Aboriginal Early Childhood Coordinator to support a South Vancouver Island Network. Over five years the network engaged in training workshops for staff and parents, information and referral services, Aboriginal representation at various early childhood coalition groups, funding supports and advocacy.

In 2011, the Aboriginal Engagement Committee of Success by 6 supported eight Engagement Projects:

1. Tseycum First Nation - Culture and Language Program
2. Young Parents Support Network - Honouring our Children: Community-based support for Aboriginal young parent families
3. Hulitan Social Services - Journeys of the Heart Summer Program
4. Little Raven Preschool Saanich Indian School Board - Parent Participation and ECD activities
5. Songhees First Nation Preschool and Day Care.- Community gathering for children and families entering preschool.
6. Esquimalt First Nation - Community photo and book project.
7. Beecher Bay First Nation - "A Place to Play"
8. Surrounded by Cedar & Hulitan Social Services - Aboriginal cultural connections to literacy project.

• The Latest Resources for Parents
• The following websites may assist you as a parent or caregiver in receiving information on local resources, early child development (ages 0-6), health resources and child care in our community.
• Child, Youth and Family Health
• Child Care Resource and Referral
• Partnership in Learning & Advocacy
• Peninsula Connections for Early Childhood