about
OJIIBIKENS EARLYON PROGRAMS
Ojiibikens means ‘little root’ in Anishinaabemowin. Ojiibikens is a land-based EarlyON program for children ages 0-6, and their siblings, parents and caregivers. Our mobile team provides Indigenous land-based programs in partnership with EarlyON centres and community organizations across Toronto. We are creating hands-on, outdoor learning environments for children that integrate language, culture, food, and physical activity through In-Person and Virtual programs and services for your families. The core of land base education is about families being on and connecting with the land and their own culturally specific roots. Our activities reclaim and rebuild land-based skills of growing, harvesting and stewarding to prepare local Indigenous foods and traditional medicines.
Ojiibikens EarlyON program offers seasonal programming for Indigenous families and Caregivers with children 0-6 at various locations in the the City of Toronto including:
Mia’s Garden at Christie Pits Community Garden
Three Sisters Garden at Ashbridges Estates
Various Public Parks Across the GTA (Eglinton Flats, Magwood Park, Etienne Brule Park, High Park)
Summer Programs
Ojiibikens EarlyON spring and summer programming is centered around connecting with, stewarding, growing and harvesting our traditional foods and medicines.
Winter Programs
Ojiibikens EarlyON fall and winter programming is centered around preparing and storing traditional foods, creating and using plants as medicine for wholistic wellness, building our cultural bundle and traditional storytelling.
Special Programs
Throughout the year, Ojiibikens offer special events and workshops on a seasonal basis. These events are centered around access to ceremony , traditional practices and bundle building.
Come To An Indigenous Focused Earlyon
The Indigenous EarlyON Centres are gathering places where children and families can receive holistic support, make connections, and participate in Indigenous cultural programming. The Indigenous EarlyON centres are open on Monday-Saturdays. Ojiibikens offers weekly programs at these sites such as community cooking, medicine and plant teachings and outdoor play. The Indigenous EarlyON Centres are located at:
Native Child and Family Services Toronto Scarborough Child and Family Life Centre in the Kingston Galloway neighbourhood.
For more information contact Khamini at 416-969-8510 ext 3234 or ksharma@nativechild.org
Bala Avenue Community School in the Weston-Mount Dennis neighbourhood
For more information contact Liz at 647 274-7840 or lmarques@nativechild.org
Malvern EarlyON- Indigenous Child and Family Centre
Contact Michelle Meawasige at 647-274-7917 or mmeawasige@nativechild.org
