New online resource: Open Hearts, Open minds
Best Start Resource Centre is pleased to announce a new online resource for service providers:
Open Hearts, Open Minds: Services that are Inclusive of First Nations, Métis and Inuit Families
This report shares how, with an open heart and open mind, service providers can positively influence the inclusion of First Nation, Métis and Inuit families in services. The report provides key concepts and approaches for being inclusive. An overview of Canada’s history gives a cursory background as to why Aboriginal peoples have been excluded and marginalized from services. The report shares insights on inclusive strategies, policies, hiring practices, attitudes, spaces and relationships. Cultural context and cultural safety are also discussed. The report includes information on determining needs and on engaging and retaining Aboriginal families in services.
There is no simple and universal solution to developing an inclusive service, nor is there a one-size-fits-all approach. As a result, approaches suggested in this report are drawn from different disciplines and the wisdom and experience of practitioners who incorporate inclusiveness into their ways of working within their own communities.
Many thanks to those who contributed through suggestions, guidance, research, writing, quotes, program examples, review and input. Your assistance was invaluable!
To access this resource, go to: