Messages from the heart--caring for our children

Summary: October 13, 2009 -The documentary video, Messages From the Heart: Caring for Our Children, captures the journey to healing and strength as voiced by participants in a national gathering to support the next generation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis children. Hosted by the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa, March 13-14, 2009, the event drew more than 100 people working in the field of early childhood development. Guests enjoyed a unique opportunity to learn from each other, and to showcase a range of parenting programs at work in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Elders, young parents, caregivers and their supporters shared their insights and experiences across generations and across geographical divides, addressing with honesty and strength the legacies of the residential school system and child welfare policies while looking to the future. Woven throughout this documentary are the performances, cultural expressions and deeply felt insights of many of the participants. Building upon individual, community and cultural strengths is key to supporting the next generation. The NCCAH acknowledges the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada, for financial support of the event: "Messages From the Heart: A Showcase on Aboriginal Childrearing."