The Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS) was in council chambers on Monday. The Society has the opportunity to apply for 10 years of operational funding and about $600,000 to build a structure for an Aboriginal Head Start Program in Grand Forks. The program would also offer 20 to 24 free childcare spaces. COINS is seeking community land as required by The Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC.
Laranna Androsoff with COINS says the program would support the pre-existing Boundary Aboriginal Education Enhancement Agreement with School District 51.
“It actually compliments it quite well because it provides that streamline of services right from birth until they enter into the school system, because the school system doesn’t provide services for children 6 and under.”
Councillor Chris Moslin says some extra time could go a long way”
“I agree that there is a need, but I really can’t see… I guess what I’m saying ladies, is can you come back next year? If we could put something together that involved other partners in the Regional District and the school district….”
Androsoff explains why the offer is time-sensitive:
“We placed 14th in the province… The Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC… they chose the first 12 projects to move forward to work on their implementation proposal. Unfortunately some projects were not able to move forward in that process and so we got a call back.”
The Society only has a number of weeks due to the timeline. Council passed a motion supporting the implementation, while directing the organization to work with the city’s planning department regarding a piece of land. A letter of support pending further clarification from project indicators and staff was also agreed upon to help keep the Society’s foot in the door while continuing their application process.