Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC)
The Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities (AHSUNC) Program is a national community-based early intervention program funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada. AHSUNC focuses on early childhood development for First Nations, Inuit and Métis children and their families living off-reserve.
Since 1995, AHSUNC has provided funding to Indigenous community-based organizations to develop and deliver programs that promote the healthy development of Indigenous preschool children. It supports the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of Indigenous children, while supporting their parents and guardians as their primary teachers.
On average, the program reach ranges from 4600-4800 children annually at 134 sites. AHSUNC sites typically provide structured half-day preschool experiences for Indigenous children (3-5 years of age) focused on six program components: Indigenous culture and language; education and school readiness; health promotion; nutrition; social support; and parental involvement.