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Cultural experiences

At Aboriginal Head Start in Edmonton, culture is woven into every part of the children’s day. The program offers opportunities for children to explore their roots, learn about their traditions, and build a strong sense of identity, community and belonging.

    • An Elder stirs a bowl of bannock dough while children watch from around the table.
    • A child scrapes a stretched hide with a bone tool while a mentor steadies it.
    • Children and two cultural mentors sitting together on a blanket in the trees.
    • Children gathered around a tray to look closely at a fish being prepared.
    • Children and staff laying out wooden poles on the grass to raise a frame.
    • A child wearing a green capote with a woven sash, outdoors on a fall day.
    • Children grinding dried meat with stones on plates, seated on a hide in the park.
    • A child's hands resting on a fish laid out in a tray during a land-based lesson.
    • Bannock frying in a cast-iron pan on the stove.
    • Staff frying bannock together in the centre kitchen, shown as a set of three photographs.
    • A doll dressed in a navy parka and trousers trimmed with ribbon.
    • A doll dressed in a white parka with a dark fur ruff and beaded trim.
    • A group gathered around a table outdoors, gloved, working through a land-based teaching.
    • Small stuffed animals — squirrel, bear, ram and a crocheted bear — laid out on a fur.
    • Children and families seated on blankets in a darkened room watching an animated film on a big screen.
    • A work table laid out with supplies — boxes of pins, sequins and beads, a foam ball, a ruler and printed pattern cards — with a participant reaching across.
    • A finished ornament in red and turquoise, folded into an eight-pointed star with a button at the centre, beside a loop of lace ready to be attached.
    • A hand holding a cream and red ornament, the fabric points fanning out from a centre stud, in the craft room.
    • A red and blue ornament held up by its gold trim, with the work tables and supplies behind it.
    • An ornament in olive green and patterned fabric resting on an open hand, its gold ribbon hanger trailing across the palm.
    • The same green ornament held up closer to the camera, the folded points and centre button clearly visible.
    • A red and blue star ornament held in a hand, photographed from above against a patterned floor.
    • A turquoise and cream ornament on a dark surface, the fabric points overlapping around a small centre button.
    • A bright green and yellow star ornament with a beaded black hanger coiled beside it.
    • A teal and cream ornament with a braided cord hanger, laid out on a dark surface.
    • A red and gold ornament photographed close up on a white cloth, the ribbon hanger curving away to one side.
    • A finished red and green ornament hanging from a gold ribbon held between finger and thumb.
    • A teal, green and yellow ornament standing upright on a wooden table, its ribbon hanger looped above it.
    • A finished ornament set on top of a wooden post outdoors, with spruce trees and open sky behind it.
    • A group walking single file along a narrow trail through tall spruce, moss underfoot.
    • The group gathered in a clearing in the trees, listening to someone speaking at the edge of the trail.
    • A bison hangs from a tractor loader at the edge of a fenced pasture while a group stands nearby, at the start of the harvest.
    • The bison hung from the loader with its horns turned toward the camera, people gathered on the grass around it.
    • People in winter coats and work gloves draw the hide back from the animal together, the tractor taking the weight.
    • The hide laid out on the grass with several people standing beside it.
    • The hide spread out on the grass in low autumn sun, long shadows across the field and people walking past.
    • The carcass hanging in the open with the sun behind it, people working and watching around its base.
    • The carcass hanging beside the tractor while several people work at it and others look on.
    • The carcass suspended from the tractor loader with a group gathered close, one person working at the ribs.
    • Gloved hands holding part of the animal on a blue tarp as the processing goes on.
    • A painted stone in orange with a red heart at its centre, lettered EVERY CHILD MATTERS and ABORIGINAL HEAD START around the edge.
    • Around thirty painted orange stones laid out on a blue display board, carrying hearts, handprints, flowers, Cree words and messages.
    • The painted stones set in a line along the edge of a planting bed beside a curved concrete path, a granite bench behind.
    • The same stretch of path from the other side, the stones following the curve of the bed past the bench and a lamp standard.
    • A wider view of the garden on a wet day, stones edging the beds where two paths meet, black-eyed susans still in flower.
    • Stones running along the curve of the paving beside grasses and boulders, people standing on the path beyond.
    • Staff gathered in front of a large black sculpture, many in orange shirts and ribbon skirts.
    • The same group a moment later, closer together in front of the sculpture.
    • An Elder sitting with a child at a work table, dolls in regalia lined up on the ledge behind them.
    • The same Elder turning to speak with the child as they work at the table together.
    • A child crouched inside a canvas tipi set up in the classroom, sorting things on the floor.
    • Two children playing with carved animals and a small wooden frame on a green play mat.
    • Children painting at a round table, seen from above, brushes and palettes spread between them.
    • A child laying photographs out on the medicine wheel rug.
    • Two children arranging a row of photographs across the rug together.
    • Children playing around the tipi with wooden animals and a small drying rack.
    • Children and an adult painting together at a table covered with paints and brushes.
    • Two children at a painted round table, a hand drum resting on it between them.
    • A child leaning over the painted table, working with a small brush.
    • Children gathered close around the painted table with an adult helping.
    • Two staff seated with hand drums while children gather at a low table in front of them.
    • The same group a moment later, one child leaning back laughing.
    • Children at the table with the two drummers seated behind them.
    • Children kneeling in a circle on the medicine wheel rug, seen from above.
    • A large circle of children and adults gathered on the rug with drums in the middle.
    • Staff standing with hand drums as the children gather around them.
    • A wide view of the drumming circle filling the room.
    • A drummer leading while children hold their own drums and watch.
    • Children with their drums raised, following the beat.
    • Children standing in a line with their drums, a staff member drumming in front.
    • A child drumming in the foreground while the circle plays behind.
    • Children and staff drumming together in the middle of the room.
    • The drumming circle seen from another corner of the room.
    • A child in a ribbon skirt standing in the centre of the circle.
    • The child dancing in the centre while the others keep the drum going.
    • The circle from above, the dancer in a ribbon skirt in the middle.
    • The dance continuing, children and staff drumming around the edge.
    • Children and staff watching the dancer from around the rug.
    • A child in a red shirt drumming at the front of the group.
    • A crowded circle of children in coloured shirts gathered on the rug.
    • Staff in ribbon skirts standing among the children during the round dance.
    • The circle seen from above, children pressed in around the centre.
    • Children reaching in towards the middle of the circle.
    • The group gathered together, a staff member in a ribbon skirt standing in the centre.
    • A sewing classroom set up for the class: rows of tables with sewing machines, green cutting mats and bundles of fabric, two people working at the far end.
    • The class in progress, seven people spread across the room at their own machines, one holding up a length of dark fabric to check it.
    • Two women measuring a length of navy patterned fabric on a cutting mat with a long wooden yardstick.
    • Two women at a cutting table, a piece of pink floral fabric laid out on the green mat between them.
    • A woman arranging strips of ribbon and fabric in rows on a green cutting mat, working out the order of the bands.
    • Two women at the cutting table laying out pale ribbon strips, a rack of ribbon spools in every colour beside them.
    • A woman measuring ribbon onto red floral fabric at a cutting table in the classroom.
    • Two people smoothing a green floral skirt panel flat on the cutting mat, a rotary cutter and a yardstick on the table.
    • Several people gathered around a long table, pinning and marking the green floral panel before sewing.
    • Two women laying coloured ribbon across a length of green floral fabric on a cutting mat.
    • Two women seated at sewing machines, smiling at the camera, a green floral skirt panel spread out in front of them.
    • A woman at her machine with navy fabric laid out, rows of pink and cream ribbon already pinned across it.
    • Close view over a sewer's shoulder: both hands guiding a floral panel under the needle of a Singer machine.
    • Close view of bright green, turquoise and purple ribbons being stitched down one after another on a sewing machine.
    • A woman standing in the classroom wearing her finished skirt, green with floral print and bands of ribbon around the hem.
    • A young woman wearing her finished green floral ribbon skirt, standing in the middle of the classroom.
    • Two people holding up their finished green floral ribbon skirts on hangers, side by side.
    • A woman holding up a finished purple and lilac ribbon skirt on a hanger.
    • A woman standing between two finished skirts hung on a curtain behind her, one navy with pink bands, one dark with blue bands.
    • Five finished ribbon skirts hanging in a row on a rod, each with its own fabric and its own bands of ribbon.
    • A printed poster titled The History of the Ribbon Skirt, with archival photographs and several paragraphs on the skirt's origins and meaning.
    • Families gathering in a hall before going out on the ice, coats on and gear being sorted.
    • Wooden fishing rods laid out along a table while children and adults get them ready.
    • Children practising with wooden rods through holes cut in a board laid over a blue tarp, standing in for the ice.
    • More children at the practice board, rods raised, an adult helping from the far side.
    • The group out on the frozen lake under a clear blue sky, children and adults bundled against the cold.
    • Children and adults gathered around a hole in the ice, a rod resting beside it.
    • Two children in snowsuits leaning over a hole in the ice with a line in the water.
    • A child in a green hooded snowsuit holding a rod over a hole in the ice, seen from above.
    • Three fish laid out on a white table at the end of the day.

  • Traditional teachings and story sharing

    Elders, Knowledge Keepers and cultural mentors visit to share teachings, stories and legends that pass on values, history and traditional knowledge, along with language and traditional songs.

  • Language

    Children are introduced to Indigenous languages through greetings, songs and simple phrases, helping them develop familiarity and pride in their cultural languages.

  • Drumming, singing and movement

    Drumming, singing and movement activities introduce children to the rhythms, celebrations and cultural expressions of Indigenous communities.

  • Cultural crafts and hands-on learning

    Children create meaningful projects such as beadwork-inspired art, painting and traditional crafts that connect them to cultural symbolism and creativity.

  • Learning on the Land

    Outdoor time includes exploring nature, learning about plants and animals, exploring how things work done Ayân (long ago), and understanding the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the land.

  • Elders and caregivers

    Elders and parents/caregivers are welcomed into the program to guide activities, share stories and support cultural learning across generations.

  • Community gatherings

    Community gatherings are attended where possible — feasts, cultural events and seasonal celebrations.

Children and a staff member in the classroom building a small shelter from a sheet and poles, with a hide and craft materials beside them.

Cultural learning is central to the program’s philosophy. By nurturing language, traditions and identity every day, Aboriginal Head Start supports children’s emotional, spiritual, physical and cognitive growth — helping them feel grounded, proud and connected.

Culture team

The people who carry the culture

  • Felice Gladue
    Felice GladueCulture Coordinator Read Felice Gladue’s biography

    Felice Gladue is proudly rooted to the historic Métis community of St. Laurent, Manitoba and also celebrates her Bajan heritage from her father’s side, with family ties to the beautiful island of Barbados.

    Felice and her family live, learn, play, and pray in Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation within Alberta. She is married to her true-love voyageur, Trevor Gladue, a proud Métis nêhiyaw man from Treaty 8 territory in Northern Alberta. Together, they are raising their kind-hearted children — Roberta, Willow and Sage, carrying forward traditions with love, laughter, and purpose.

    A graduate of the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education in 1997, Felice has inspired a love of learning and a sense of Indigenous pride with Aboriginal Head Start children and families since 2003.

    Felice is celebrated for her powerful gift of bringing Indigenous history, culture, and traditional arts alive through storytelling, song, dance, and imaginative play. Felice treasures her time at Aboriginal Head Start and is most thankful for the many teachings the children have given with her and the blessings she has received from both the children and families. Aboriginal Head Start will always be close to her heart. nanâskomowin

  • Lee-Anne White
    Lee-Anne WhiteCulture Support Read Lee-Anne White’s biography

    Lee-Anne White is a proud member of Alexander First Nation, where she was born and raised within the rich traditions of Cree culture. Growing up immersed in the teachings, language, and ways of knowing of her community and surrounding Cree Nations, Lee-Anne developed a deep respect for her heritage and a strong commitment to giving back.

    For more than 20 years, Lee-Anne has dedicated her career to working with children, particularly within Indigenous communities. Throughout her professional journey, she has worked in many different areas supporting Indigenous peoples, gaining valuable experience across diverse roles and programs. No matter where her path has taken her, she has always found her true calling in working with children — supporting their growth, nurturing their strengths, and helping them build strong cultural identities.

    Driven by her passion for community service and professional growth, Lee-Anne returned to school to obtain her IBSW designation. This accomplishment further strengthened her ability to advocate for and support children and families with skill, compassion, and cultural understanding.

    A proud mother of two wonderful children, Lee-Anne carries her roles as both parent and community helper with great pride. Sharing Cree culture, traditions, and ways of knowing is one of the greatest highlights of her work. She believes that empowering children through cultural connection builds resilience, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

    Lee-Anne White continues to be guided by the teachings of her ancestors and her community, dedicating her life’s work to uplifting children and ensuring that culture remains at the heart of healing, learning, and growth.

  • Lyle LaBoucane
    Lyle LaBoucaneMosom Read Lyle LaBoucane’s biography

    Lyle is Aboriginal Head Start Edmonton’s program Mosom and a respected Métis Knowledge Keeper who has worked alongside Indigenous children and families for more than 20 years. Deeply connected to the land, Lyle enjoys hunting, fishing, berry picking, gathering medicines, and spending time outdoors learning from and caring for the gifts of Mother Earth.

    His greatest passion is sharing that connection with children and families. Through land-based learning, cultural teachings, stories, and hands-on experiences, Lyle helps children build a sense of identity, belonging, and respect for the natural world. He is a trusted supporter, mentor, and cultural presence within Aboriginal Head Start, and his knowledge, kindness, and commitment to future generations are deeply valued by the children, families, and staff he works with.