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Indigenous engagement

Last updated on April 16, 2025

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is committed to engaging with First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, as well as Indigenous partners to develop distinctions-based, culturally safe approaches to child care and build a future where child care is a core service that all Indigenous families can rely on.

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Declaration Act Action Plan

Section 4 of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Declaration Act) requires the Province to develop and implement an action plan to meet the objectives of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and to do so in consultation and co-operation with Indigenous Peoples.

The Declaration Act Plan, released on March 30, 2022, includes collectively identified goals and outcomes that form the long-term vision for implementing the UN Declaration in B.C. The plan contains 89 priority actions in organized in four key themes:

  • Self-Determination and Inherent Right of Self-Government
  • Title and Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  • Ending Indigenous-specific Racism and Discrimination
  • Social, Cultural and Economic Well-Being

Early Learning and Child Care is directly addressed in Action 4.19 of the Declaration Act Action Plan:

As part of a commitment to an inclusive, universal child care system, work in collaboration with B.C. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples to implement a distinctions-based approach to support and move forward jurisdiction over child care for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who want and need it in B.C.

Regional Engagements

From February to June 2024, the Ministry hosted a series of webinars and in-person regional engagements in partnership with BC Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS), Aboriginal Head Start Association British Columbia (AHSABC), First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC), BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC).

This What We Heard Report summarizes key themes captured during the Regional Engagements on Indigenous early learning and child care.

Engagement Opportunities

Ongoing engagement with First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, and Indigenous organizations is key to supporting early learning and child care priorities for Indigenous children and their families and to meet the Province’s commitments to lasting and meaningful reconciliation. The Ministry will continue to have important dialogue with Indigenous Peoples on early learning and child care.

To stay connected and be notified of engagement opportunities, sign up for the Indigenous Engagement mailing list:

Sign up for future engagements

More information and invitations to engage will be shared directly by ChildCareBC and through Indigenous organizations.  

If you have questions, comments or suggestions for future engagements, please email  ChildCareBC.Engagement@gov.bc.ca

Past engagements

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First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Grant 2023-24

What was it? A recorded webinar for First Nations to learn about a grant opportunity to support early learning and child care priorities.

Learn more:

  • First Nations participating in the First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Grant are encouraged to contact the Grant Administration Team who are available to assist with any questions, including support to complete required reporting.
  • Contact the Grant Administration Team:
 

Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative Information Session

What was it? An information session hosted in collaboration with B.C. Aboriginal Child Care Society to provide First Nations, Métis and urban Indigenous-led child care providers and partners with information about the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative.

When was it? June 26, 2023

Learn more:

 

Canada-B.C. Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement Action Plan

What was it? A series of engagements for First Nations to share their experiences and insights related to early learning and child care, what they would like to see prioritized in over the next three years, and to hear from Nations on how they would like to be engaged by the ministry going forward.

When was it? April 18 and 19, 2023

Learn more:

 

First Nations Early Learning and Child Care Grant

What was it? A dedicated webinar for First Nations to learn about an upcoming grant opportunity to support early learning and child care priorities.

When was it? February 28 and March 8, 2023

Learn more: