Learning Opportunities

Born and raised in Labrador. She is of Inuit ancestry and has worked extensively with Aboriginal families in Labrador. Holding a B. Ed in Primary and B. SW has given her an opportunity to work in Innu, Metis and Inuit communities. She has been involved in the Aboriginal Head Start program since its inception of 1996- first as a researcher, then as a Program Director. In 2004, Jenny joined the Nunatsiavut Government as Regional Childcare Manager, continuing to work with many childcare programs for Nunatsiavut, including their AHS centre in Hopedale.

Born and raised in Labrador. She is of Inuit ancestry and has worked extensively with Aboriginal families in Labrador. Holding a B. Ed in Primary and B. SW has given her an opportunity to work in Innu, Metis and Inuit communities. She has been involved in the Aboriginal Head Start program since its inception of 1996- first as a researcher, then as a Program Director. In 2004, Jenny... Read more »

Patsy is Mi’kmaq from Dalhousie and her family is connected to Eel River Bar First Nation. She has served as Executive Director of Under One Sky in Fredericton New Brunswick since 2008. Patsy holds a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies. 

Patsy is currently part of the Executive Committee of the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network (UAKN) Atlantic Research Centre and sits on the Board of the National Association of Friendship Centers. She is a member of the New Brunswick Aboriginal Peoples Council (NBAPC) and the UNB Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre Council of Elders. In 2019, she was appointed to the Federal Expert Panel on Early Learning and Childcare Data Research.

Patsy is Mi’kmaq from Dalhousie and her family is connected to Eel River Bar First Nation. She has served as Executive Director of Under One Sky in Fredericton New Brunswick since 2008. Patsy holds a Bachelor of Philosophy in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies. 

Patsy is currently part of the Executive Committee of the Urban Aboriginal Knowledge Network... Read more »

Sherry Duncan is a beloved presenter, storyteller and educational leader. She brings a wealth of experiences based on her 39 years of dedicated work in Post Secondary, Pubic, Early Childhood education and leadership. Sherry has sat at the table with innovative thinkers, surrounded herself with creative artists and uses current research to inform her practice. Building relationships, using trauma informed practices and “reconcilli-action” are at the core of her many lived experiences with children, families, adult learners. Through stories, conversations and interactive experiences her presentations will have you laughing, sharing, and thinking deeply about the important work we do.

Sherry Duncan is a beloved presenter, storyteller and educational leader. She brings a wealth of experiences based on her 39 years of dedicated work in Post Secondary, Pubic, Early Childhood education and leadership. Sherry has sat at the table with innovative thinkers, surrounded herself with creative artists and uses current research to inform her practice. Building relationships,... Read more »

Monique Gray Smith (mistikwaskihkos) is an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 33 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. She has 12 books ranging for readers across the life span. Her books are used to share wisdom, knowledge, hope and the important teaching that love is medicine.

The historical timeline of AHSUNC 1995 to today – Monique Gray Smith will bring us on a journey of the past 30 years exploring the AHSUNC start to where we are today.  ‘I often think of those Grandma's who helped in the early days to define ‘what is Head Start’ and the ones who did the work and laid down the good medicine for AHSUNC! Such profound and life changing work they did for so many children and families! Today, I think AHS staff and elders are like those Grandma’s. Their passion and commitment to the children and parents/families they serve is remarkable. Today generations of graduates over the past 30 years are evidence that children’s programs rooted in culture and language with parent and family involvement is working.’ 

Monique Gray Smith (mistikwaskihkos) is an award-winning, best-selling author and sought after consultant. Monique is Cree and Scottish and has been sober and involved in her healing journey for over 33 years. She is well known for her storytelling, spirit of generosity and focus on resilience. She has 12 books ranging for readers across the life span. Her books are used to share wisdom,... Read more »

Metis ALIVE Cultural Experiences bring Metis history and culture to life with multi-sensory and interactive learning experiences. Examination of cultural artifacts and traditional clothing as well as movement through toe tapping Metis fiddle music and dance makes fun and engaging history exploration.

Felice Gladue is passionate about telling stories of her Metis heritage. Her people come from St. Laurent, Manitoba. In the 1860s, her great great grandfather owned a butcher shop in the Red River Settlement and his wife, Marie Catherine (nee Lagimodiere) was Louis Riel’s first cousin. Felice lives in Beaumont with her Metis Cree husband and their two children. She has her Bachelor of Education and has taught for over 20 years in both public schools and Aboriginal Head Start.  Felice is a born teacher and storyteller. Her interactive and enthusiastic storytelling and sense of humor captivates audiences of any age. She also has an extensive collection of Metis artifacts and traditional clothing that she encourages the audience to touch and try on.  In her spare time, Felice enjoys thrift shopping, playing card and board games with her family, capote making, beading, moccasin making and writing stories.

Metis ALIVE Cultural Experiences bring Metis history and culture to life with multi-sensory and interactive learning experiences. Examination of cultural artifacts and traditional clothing as well as movement through toe tapping Metis fiddle music and dance makes fun and engaging history exploration.

Felice Gladue is passionate about telling stories of her Metis... Read more »

April Prescott, CCC, MACP, B Ed, RYT-500HR - April is an educator-turned-therapist specializing in mental health for children and their families. She began her career as a teacher for the Connect Society, specializing in providing early intervention for children affected by hearing loss. After 10 years of teaching, April moved on to be the Inclusive Education Coordinator at Aboriginal Head Start, overseeing the classroom experience for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit preschoolers. April has a Masters in Counselling Psychology with Distinction from Yorkville University and works as a therapist for children in foster care. Outside of work, April enjoys outdoor pursuits, including camping and hiking. She also trains dogs for sheep herding on the weekends and plays Dungeons and Dragons.

April Prescott, CCC, MACP, B Ed, RYT-500HR - April is an educator-turned-therapist specializing in mental health for children and their families. She began her career as a teacher for the Connect Society, specializing in providing early intervention for children affected by hearing loss. After 10 years of teaching, April moved on to be the Inclusive Education Coordinator at... Read more »

Lesley Watts (BSW, M.Ed. ECED) is a Senior Program Manager at Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Lesley has extensive experience working with infants, children, families and communities with a focus on program delivery, design, management, and community development. Lesley is passionate about her work and is a vocal advocate for equity, social justice, and system-level change to more effectively support all children, families, and communities. 

Lesley Watts (BSW, M.Ed. ECED) is a Senior Program Manager at Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP) at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto. Lesley has extensive experience working with infants, children, families and communities with a focus on program delivery, design, management, and community development. Lesley is passionate about her work and... Read more »

Nina Lawrence is a dedicated Family Support Manager and Registered Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field. For the past eight years, she has been an integral part of the Aboriginal Head Start Programs in Edmonton, AB starting as a Family Support Worker and growing into a leadership role. Throughout her career, Nina has worked in diverse settings, including family and domestic violence, addictions, homelessness, and group care, supporting children and families through culturally responsive programming, advocacy, and community engagement.  Nina is deeply committed to fostering cultural understanding, respect, and support, ensuring families feel heard, valued, and empowered. She believes in the importance of maintaining healthy professional boundaries while building strong, trusting relationships with the families she serves. Her leadership is rooted in collaboration, mentorship, and a passion for creating safe, nurturing environments where children and families can thrive.

Beyond her professional role, Nina is a devoted mother of four, with children ranging in age from 21 to 3 years old. She understands firsthand the joys and challenges of parenting and brings both lived and professional experience to her work.

Nina Lawrence is a dedicated Family Support Manager and Registered Social Worker with 15 years of experience in the field. For the past eight years, she has been an integral part of the Aboriginal Head Start Programs in Edmonton, AB starting as a Family Support Worker and growing into a leadership role. Throughout her career, Nina has worked in diverse settings, including family and... Read more »

The Flett-Roulette family, renowned for their rich cultural heritage and expertise in traditional pow-wow dance and storytelling, is honored to present a series of dynamic and engaging performances and group presentations at the National Aboriginal Head Start (NAHS) 30-Year Celebration. Over the course of three days, our family will bring forth powerful demonstrations of Indigenous culture, history, and artistry through dance, music, and interactive storytelling, connecting deeply with the attendees and fostering a greater understanding of Indigenous traditions.

The Flett-Roulette family, renowned for their rich cultural heritage and expertise in traditional pow-wow dance and storytelling, is honored to present a series of dynamic and engaging performances and group presentations at the National Aboriginal Head Start (NAHS) 30-Year Celebration. Over the course of three days, our family will bring forth powerful demonstrations of Indigenous... Read more »

Delora Parisian is a Métis woman of Cree and French descent. She is deeply rooted in her heritage, with her late parents having been strong advocates for the Métis community. Delora has carried forward this legacy through her own extensive work, having once served as President of the Riel Local, where she represented approximately 1,500 Métis people in Regina, Saskatchewan. However, due to the challenges and lateral violence within Métis politics at the time, Delora made the decision to shift her focus towards community capacity building.

A passionate believer in the inherent gifts and potential of every individual, Delora is dedicated to helping others develop and share their strengths for the betterment of families, communities, and the world at large. She is particularly committed to fostering healing in all aspects of life—spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally—within Indigenous families. Leading by example and living her values, Delora has proven that Indigenous people can be powerful, effective leaders in their communities.

Delora Parisian is a Métis woman of Cree and French descent. She is deeply rooted in her heritage, with her late parents having been strong advocates for the Métis community. Delora has carried forward this legacy through her own extensive work, having once served as President of the Riel Local, where she represented approximately 1,500 Métis people in Regina,... Read more »

Rebecca is a professional Control Theory and Restitution Trainer with Chelsom Consultants and an Associate Facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to enhance their resilience and effectiveness. Her training sessions are highly engaging and interactive, as she believes that personalizing the learning experience is essential for fostering long-term change. Rebecca has collaborated with a diverse range of businesses to raise awareness and understanding of mental health issues, equip participants with practical tools to promote wellness at both individual and organizational levels, and develop participants' skills to confidently intervene in mental health crisis situations. With a background as a behavior specialist and counselor, Rebecca possesses a versatile skill set that enables her to connect with any audience. Additionally, she has experience as a professional foster parent, child welfare worker, and post-secondary instructor. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba and a Master of Education from Brandon University. She is a Past President of the Westman School Clinicians Association and the Canadian Association of School Social Workers. Rebecca has two adult children, and resides with her husband on a farm near Erickson Manitoba.

Rebecca is a professional Control Theory and Restitution Trainer with Chelsom Consultants and an Associate Facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to enhance their resilience and effectiveness. Her training sessions are highly engaging and interactive, as she believes that personalizing the learning... Read more »

Vanessa is the Program Coordinator at the Kikino Aboriginal Head Start in Alberta, as well as the Mom of Olena, her 5 year old daughter that was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Their journey is filled with a lot of highs and lows, trial and error. Vanessa has been navigating the health system as well as the educational system advocating not only for her daughter, but for children and caregivers who experience similar experiences. Being the Head Start

Coordinator has also allowed her to explore what Inclusion can look like in an early learning setting. Allow Vanessa to share her passion as well as her daughters story.

Vanessa is the Program Coordinator at the Kikino Aboriginal Head Start in Alberta, as well as the Mom of Olena, her 5 year old daughter that was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. Their journey is filled with a lot of highs and lows, trial and error. Vanessa has been navigating the health system as well as the educational system advocating not only for her daughter, but for children and... Read more »

Sandra is the Program Facilitator for the Family Resource Centre in Nain, Labrador .  The Family Resource Centre provides a variety of community-based activities and resources that emphasize early childhood development and parenting support.

“ I am an Inuk who was born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut and have lived here for all my life.  I have raised 4 children, and am a proud grandmother to 3 beautiful boys.  Ever since I can remember, I've wanted to work with small children and babies.  I have a passion for healthy and happy communities, and have been volunteering since I was a teenager.  I love family and friends time, and spending time on the land”

Sandra is the Program Facilitator for the Family Resource Centre in Nain, Labrador .  The Family Resource Centre provides a variety of community-based activities and resources that emphasize early childhood development and parenting support.

“ I am an Inuk who was born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut and have lived here for all my life.  I have... Read more »

Valerie Pardy is the Parent Coordinator for the AHS program at Little Tree Family Centre in Happy Valley, Labrador. She is proud to have been part of the AHS staff there for the past 15 years. Valerie is a Mom of three adult children who are all graduates of Aboriginal Head Start, and she credits the program and staff of AHS with changing her family's life. In her spare time, she volunteers with Girl Guides, enjoys knitting and other crafts, and spending time with her family

Valerie Pardy is the Parent Coordinator for the AHS program at Little Tree Family Centre in Happy Valley, Labrador. She is proud to have been part of the AHS staff there for the past 15 years. Valerie is a Mom of three adult children who are all graduates of Aboriginal Head Start, and she credits the program and staff of AHS with changing her family's life. In her spare time, she... Read more »

Shannon Murphy is a proud member of the Mohawk Bear Clan from Six Nations with Irish heritage, living with her family on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee in Niagara Falls. She holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Mohawk College and brings over 20 years of experience in community engagement, leadership, and advocacy.

Rooted in a deep love for her community and a strong belief in the power of future generations, Shannon is passionate about building leadership among Indigenous educators. Her work is grounded in a vision of healing, wellness, and strength, especially for Indigenous children, families, and communities. She brings a wealth of knowledge in early learning and development, human resources strategy, and capacity building across both Indigenous and mainstream systems.

Shannon’s leadership is shaped by the values of reciprocity and relational accountability. She is deeply involved in local, provincial, and national initiatives that elevate Indigenous worldviews and create space for Indigenous voices, with a focus on cultivating a strong foundation for those yet to come.

Shannon Murphy is a proud member of the Mohawk Bear Clan from Six Nations with Irish heritage, living with her family on the ancestral lands of the Haudenosaunee in Niagara Falls. She holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education from Mohawk College and brings over 20 years of experience in community engagement, leadership, and advocacy.

Rooted in a deep love... Read more »

My name is Marie-Lee Cleary, I am of Innu origin. I grew up on a farm in the countryside, nature has always been a part of my life. Whether it was the great outdoors or the forest, the lakes and the rivers, it was part of my life.

From a young age, I knew I would be working with toddlers. As a child, I was surrounded by dolls, bottles and diapers. I also gave bottles to lambs, calves and piglets. I took care of the chicks, the ducklings, the kittens that were also part of my world. 

In 2008, I graduated from high school. In the fall of the same year, I began studying social sciences at the Cégep de Trois-Rivières. At that time, I wanted to become a teacher. As a summer job I was a counsellor in day camps, I also had the opportunity to work for a few summers in an outfitter east of La Tuque, the great outdoors and nature have always been important to me.

In 2011, I started training in early childhood education techniques, my academic choice had changed along the way because I preferred to work with toddlers.

In 2012, I had the opportunity to go on a humanitarian trip with the organization L'AMIE, an organization that offered young indigenous people the chance to go and do humanitarian aid with children in Bolivia for 4 months. I went to live this extraordinary experience that changed my life.  Back from my trip to Bolivia, I was hired at the CPE Premier Pas in La Tuque, as a full-time substitute while completing my distance learning course in daycare.

In 2014, I got a permanent position in a group from 18 months to 2 years, that's when I discovered the Child Nature program. I was immediately interested in this program! I made a request to the director of the CPE to be able to adapt the program and bring it to the little ones.

My name is Marie-Lee Cleary, I am of Innu origin. I grew up on a farm in the countryside, nature has always been a part of my life. Whether it was the great outdoors or the forest, the lakes and the rivers, it was part of my life.

From a young age, I knew I would be working with toddlers. As a child, I was surrounded by dolls, bottles and diapers. I also gave... Read more »

Joan Gignac, from the Sagamok Anishnawbek Nation, is an Early Childhood Educator for 34 years who has been dedicated to advancing and promoting Aboriginal Head Start and First Nations Head Start philosophy and programs in BC and Nationwide. As the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia (AHSABC), Joan is committed working with others, values collaboration, and working together to find new and empowering ways to advance and uphold the Early Childhood and AHS Profession and quality Early Years programs in BC and beyond.  Joan also is a member of the NAHSC as the BC NAHSC Representative.

Joan Gignac, from the Sagamok Anishnawbek Nation, is an Early Childhood Educator for 34 years who has been dedicated to advancing and promoting Aboriginal Head Start and First Nations Head Start philosophy and programs in BC and Nationwide. As the Executive Director of the Aboriginal Head Start Association of British Columbia (AHSABC), Joan is committed working with others, values... Read more »

Zelda Willaims, was an ECE at Futures for Nations AHS in Mission, BC, for 27 years, retiring from her role as Program Coordinator in 2024. “What I love about F4N AHS is seeing the children’s smiling faces when they come into preschool, I love to see the parents succeed, I love having the elders come in and speak their language.”  Coming from culturally strong parents inspires her to bring culture, traditions, and wisdom to her role on the AHSABC Board of Directors and as the BC NAHSC Alternate Representative.

Zelda Willaims, was an ECE at Futures for Nations AHS in Mission, BC, for 27 years, retiring from her role as Program Coordinator in 2024. “What I love about F4N AHS is seeing the children’s smiling faces when they come into preschool, I love to see the parents succeed, I love having the elders come in and speak their language.”  Coming from... Read more »

My name is Mélanie Jean, a member of the Innu First Nation in the community of Mashteuiatsh. I work as an educator at the CPE Premier Pas in La Tuque. Growing up in an environment where my grandparents and parents were foster parents, I was always
surrounded by children. This reality naturally led me to become a foster family myself for almost 20 years.

The love of children goes far beyond my job: it is a value deeply rooted in my family history. My professional career began in 2002, when I joined the CPE Premier Pas, first as a bus driver and educational assistant as part of the AHSUNC Program. While working full-time, I started my training to become an educator. In 2008, after graduating, I had the chance to hold a position as an educator in the 3-year group, still within the same CPE.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with different age groups, which has enriched my experience and strengthened my attachment to this beautiful mission. In 2017, I had the pleasure of becoming a mother myself. Shortly before the end of my maternity leave, a colleague told me about the Enfant Nature project. After participating in a training course on the subject, we immediately saw the potential of this educational approach, which focuses on active learning in the open air. The integration of the Enfant Nature program required some adjustments in our workplace, but over time, it has become an essential tool. Each
outing is unique. Learning and discoveries vary according to the seasons, unexpected encounters and the curiosities of nature.

The outdoors brings us physical and spiritual well-being, and the children, with their enthusiasm, bring to life moments that are often funny, but always full of magic. Thanks to this vast playground that is nature, children develop their creativity and motor skills, while
flourishing in a natural and stimulating environment. Each element becomes a pretext for exploration, wonder, exchange and mutual aid. I love my job deeply. Working in nature allows us to reconnect, to refocus, and to share together values, knowledge and experiences that will forever mark our memories.

Je m'appelle Mélanie Jean, membre de la Première Nation Innue de la communauté de Mashteuiatsh. Je travaille comme éducatrice au CPE Premier Pas de La Tuque.

Ayant grandi dans un environnement où mes grands-parents et mes parents étaient famille d’accueil, j’ai toujours été entourée d’enfants. Cette réalité m’a naturellement amenée à devenir moi-même famille d’accueil pendant près de 20 ans. L’amour des enfants va bien au-delà de mon métier : c’est une valeur profondément enracinée dans mon histoire familiale.

Mon parcours professionnel a débuté en 2002, lorsque j’ai intégré le CPE Premier Pas, d’abord comme conductrice d’autobus et aide-éducatrice dans le cadre du Programme PAPACUN. Tout en travaillant à temps plein, j’ai entamé ma formation pour devenir éducatrice.

En 2008, après avoir obtenu mon diplôme, j’ai eu la chance d’occuper un poste d’éducatrice dans le groupe des 3 ans, toujours au sein du même CPE. Au fil des années, j’ai eu l’occasion de travailler avec différents groupes d’âge, ce qui a enrichi mon expérience et renforcé mon attachement à cette belle mission.

En 2017, j’ai eu le bonheur de devenir maman à mon tour. Peu avant la fin de mon congé de maternité, une collègue m’a parlé du projet Enfant Nature. Après avoir participé à une formation sur le sujet, nous avons tout de suite vu le potentiel de cette approche éducative, qui mise sur l’apprentissage actif en plein air.

L’intégration du programme Enfant Nature a demandé quelques ajustements dans notre milieu de travail, mais avec le temps, il est devenu un outil essentiel. Chaque sortie est unique. Les apprentissages et les découvertes varient selon les saisons, les rencontres imprévues et les curiosités de la nature. Le plein air nous apporte un bien-être physique et spirituel, et les enfants, avec leur enthousiasme, donnent vie à des moments souvent drôles, mais toujours empreints de magie.

Grâce à ce vaste terrain de jeu qu’est la nature, les enfants développent leur créativité, leurs habiletés motrices, tout en s’épanouissant dans un environnement naturel et stimulant. Chaque élément devient prétexte à l’exploration, à l’émerveillement, aux échanges et à l’entraide.

J’aime profondément mon métier. Travailler en nature nous permet de nous reconnecter, de nous recentrer, et de partager ensemble des valeurs, des savoirs et des expériences qui marqueront à jamais nos mémoires.

My name is Mélanie Jean, a member of the Innu First Nation in the community of Mashteuiatsh. I work as an educator at the CPE Premier Pas in La Tuque. Growing up in an environment where my grandparents and parents were foster parents, I was always
surrounded by children. This reality naturally led me to become a foster family myself for almost 20... Read more »

The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) ACCRR programs support early childhood educators and families throughout BC by providing information, outreach, resource lending libraries, networking, and learning opportunities in partnership with Indigenous families and communities on and off reserve and in urban settings.

Our goal is to increase the availability and accessibility of high quality child care resources and services that support the needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children and families. We strive to be adaptable, responsive, inclusive and culturally based. Services provided through our ACCRR program include: Child care and licensing issues, information and consultation; Curriculum and program development; Resource Centre and lending library; Workshops and training opportunities; Communication, outreach, and information sharing services; Aboriginal ECE/ECD practicum and job postings; Funding, Indigenous ELCC policy, and research.

The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) ACCRR programs support early childhood educators and families throughout BC by providing information, outreach, resource lending libraries, networking, and learning opportunities in partnership with Indigenous families and communities on and off reserve and in urban settings.

Our goal is to increase the availability and... Read more »