"A video series about Early Childhood Education in First Nations and Inuit communities" "The project was initiated by the Early Childhood Education Program at Red River College (RRC) and funded by Child Care Visions, a Division of the Social Development Partnerships Program of Human Resources Development Canada"

Childcare in our communities (16 min., 10 sec.) -- Music & dance (18 min., 49 sec.) -- Supporting children's art (15 min., 29 sec.) -- Exploring the natural world (19 min., 16 sec.) -- Speaking our languages (18 min., 02 sec.) -- Telling stories, reading books (15 min., 35 sec.).

"Childcare in our communities" introduces the series and discusses the importance of culturally relevant programs in First Nations and Inuit communities. A successful children's program is always part of a larger circle of caring that includes family and community. The importance of working together as a team to develop good quality play-based programs is highlighted. In "Music & dance", children and adults celebrate the music and dance traditions of their communities as well as enjoy contemporary music activities. Traditional Inuit drumming, pow wow dancing, jigging and throat singing - music and dance traditions are integral to First Naitons and Inuit cultures. "Supporting children's art" shows children involved in a wide variety of open-ended activities as well as learning some traditional art forms. The program also looks at how some centres have incorporated art into the environment, making it both beautiful and culturally relevant. Inuit and First Nations art is celebrated throughout the world. Children need opportunities to learn about their artistic traditions and need materials to express their own artistic creativity. "Exploring the natural world" reflects the fundamental value of Inuit and First Nations people to live in harmony with the natural world. Filmed across the country, in all four seasons, children and caregivers are seen involved in a wide variety of outdoor activities from ice-fishing to planting a garden to exploring along wooded paths. Throughtout the program, the emphasis is on children's curiosity and the adult's role in helping them learn to care, respect and understand the natural world. "Speaking our languages": Many Inuit and First Nations languages are in danger of becoming extinct. Yet, language is one of the fundamental aspects of a people's culture. In this video many people speak of the importance of teaching their native language to the next generation and ways to include it in their children's program. A wide variety of languages are heard illustrating the diverse cultural heritage of First Nations and Inuit people across Canada. "Telling stories, reading books": The tradition of storytelling can be easily incorporated into children's programs. This video is about the importance of stories, told or read, for children's development and their emerging literacy. In this video, Elders and caregivers tell stories and use books - both purchased and homemade, to share the magic of storytelling with children. As well, children's emerging literacy is supported by their activity at writing centres and computers.

DVD