In 1995, the Government of Canada established Aboriginal Head Start to help enhance child development and school readiness of Indian, M tis and Inuit children living in urban centres and large northern communities. The expansion of this program presents an excellent opportunity for our children to learn and retain their First Nations cultures and languages. The Aboriginal Head Start Program also enhances the holistic approach to child development and education in First Nations communities. In partnership with First Nations, we are working to ensure that the leaders of tomorrow have a healthy start. She noted that this announcement further advances Gathering Strength - Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan, which lays out a framework for various partners to work together to improve the health of Aboriginal people.
Women are pivotal to the health of families and communities.
Health Canada will be working with First Nations at the national and regional levels to develop a funding process for the equitable allocation of funds to ensure the largest possible number of communities and children are reached, while maintaining the integrity of the program. This initiative is part of the government's commitments made in Securing Our Future Together and the Speech from the Throne in September 1997. It also responds to the recommendation of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples and the need to ensure the healthy early development of all Aboriginal children.