First Nations have an inherent and sacred responsibility for their children and families. Many of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action focus on the well-being of Indigenous children, recognizing their importance to the health and healing of Indigenous communities.
The BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) has been authorized by regional First Nations leadership to be the Regional Coordinating Structure for the implementation and investment of the national Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework (2018) in BC. The IELCC Framework represents the Government of Canada and Indigenous peoples’ work to co-develop a transformative Indigenous framework that reflects the unique cultures, aspirations, and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.
The investments focus on three areas of impact: capacity, quality, and access. Mentorship and leadership development increase the capacity of leaders and educators in the IELCC sector. Engagement, research, and partnership result in accurate reporting, evaluation, and increase the quality of IELCC services and supports. The funding provides access to quality IELCC programs for Indigenous families, as determined by their community.
A Review of Supporting Documentation of the Transformation Initiative
Importance of IELCC – This document highlights the significant benefits for Indigenous children when they have access to quality IELCC. It changes their lives, their families, and their communities.
National First Nations ELCC Policy Framework – The goal of this framework is to provide a way forward together in the creation of structures that will best support First Nations families, as well as the autonomy and self-determination of First Nations. The National First Nations ELCC Policy Framework informed the development and implementation of the IELCC framework as it builds upon the work and achievements of the last two decades by enhancing, expanding, and supporting innovation within existing early learning and child care programs and supporting communities or regions where there are no programs and services, or where they are severely underfunded.
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework – Created in 2018, this framework is meant to support, coordinate, and guide the design, delivery, and governance of Indigenous ELCC that is anchored in self-determination, centred on children, and grounded in culture.
IELCC Funding Approach and Guidelines – This document shares information and describes the BCACCS funding approach to available funding streams.
BCACCS Interim Investment Strategy Overview – The IELCC Framework investment is being made over a 10-year period. The stated intention is for the IELCC Framework to be a decade-long incremental investment by the federal government (2018-2028). What is outlined in the current strategy is a measured approach, covering the initial two-year funding term, while simultaneously preparing for the remaining years of the commitment.
Moving Forward with Full Hearts – IELCC May Forum Report – This is a report about the ongoing engagement on the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework regional implementation. On May 23, 2019, BCACCS hosted the first IELCC Leadership Forum at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel on Coast Salish Territory, Richmond, BC. This forum was part of the ongoing engagement specified by the National First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Framework—the First Nations component of the national IELCC framework.
To find out what funding is available now, please visit www.acc-society.bc.ca/ielcc