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Introduction
from Parenting in the Present A resource for First Nations, Inuit and Metis parents and caregivers
by NCCIH-CCNSA
About this booklet
This booklet shares stories, cultural practices, and knowledge about parenting and caring for First Nations, Inuit and Metis children aged 6-12 years. The beliefs and practices included in this resource were shared by First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples living in Manitoba.
The information contained in this booklet is intended to support you in becoming the parent that your children need during their middle years of growth and development. Learning effective parenting skills will have a positive impact on your children’s self-esteem, school achievements, brain development, and healthy behaviours. This includes learning about how you can strengthen your relationship with your children and help them learn about the importance of maintaining strong connections to extended family and community.
Throughout this booklet, you will find highlighted textboxes with links to additional resources that you can check out for more information about the subject matter. At the end of this booklet, there is also a list of organizations that offer a wide range of culturally-appropriate programs, resources and services to help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your children aged 6-12 years.
Culturally-appropriate parenting
Traditionally, First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples learned to parent by watching the actions of their parents, grandparents, and extended family and community relations. Traditional parenting practices were taught from early childhood and continued well into the later stages of adulthood.
Today, parenting practices within Indigenous families generally include a mix of contemporary western approaches to parenting and particular aspects of traditional First Nations, Inuit and Metis cultural childrearing practices that were carried forward from past to present generations.
Culturally-appropriate parenting involves honouring and respecting your personal and family connections to the lands, waters and foods taken from the natural world. It includes exposing your children to their First Nations, Inuit or Metis languages and cultures, which lay the foundation for who they are, where they come from, where they go in life, and where they belong. It also means helping your children grow up in a healthy way by learning about being active every day, eating healthy foods, getting regular health check-ups, and getting to know their body and identity.
