2023 JUNE

This month we celebrate both National Indigenous History Month and Pride Month! Check out a special Q&A with Kinwa Bluesky plus some great reading lists that celebrate indigenous stories and pride. Plus, one of our own reflects on the significance of hosting Science World's upcoming event with Bill Nye the Science Guy, and we share Part 2 of our Data and Connection series.

Our Stories are Our Laws

In celebration of National Indigenous People's Day this Wednesday, we sat down with Kinwa Bluesky, Senior Manager of Indigenous Initiatives, to learn more about her journey to HELP, her current research as a PhD candidate, as well as her hopes for Indigenous families and children, both in BC and beyond. 

Using Data to Inform Supportive Conversations

The Family Action Network (FAN) of the Kootenay-Columbia region used Toddler Development Instrument (TDI) data collected during its pilot year to support their cross-sectoral collaborative work, resulting in the introduction of Parenting Cafés.

HELP Trainee to Host An Evening with Bill Nye

"I hope that being a part of these events will lead to more kids feeling like science is for everybody, and not just for a certain group.” Read below as Hebah Hussaina, a trainee at HELP, reflects on the significance of hosting an upcoming event with Vancouver's Science World on June 20, An Evening with Bill Nye.

HELP Recommends

Boys with Braids

"I wear a braid to honour my ancestors," says Michael Linklater, founder of #BoysWithBraids. This story from CBC News profiles why Indigenous boys and men choose to wear braids.

Indigenous Stories for Kids

Today's Parent has curated a list of 39 great stories about Indigenous culture and issues to add to your bookshelf!

Celebrate Pride Month

Check out this incredible list of Rainbow Selections for the Early Years, selected by the Vancouver Public Library's Children’s Librarians. These books for 0-5 year olds celebrate the diversity of LGBTQ2+ communities.

Quick Notes

⇒ FACULTY UPDATE

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nicole Catherine, as she joins HELP as an affiliate faculty member! Learn More

⇒ REGISTER NOW

We are now inviting schools to participate in the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) for the 2023-24 school year!  Learn More

⇒ HELPers ABROAD

Director Mariana Brussoni along with trainees Rachel Ramsden and Megan Zeni recently presented at the 2023 IPA Conference in Glasgow! Learn More

Coming Up

• June 20 Science World Presents: An Evening with Bill Nye (Science World)
• June 23-24 13th Annual Public Health Summer Institute (PHABC)
• June 28 Sam George Jr: Truth Comes Before Reconciliation (VPL)
• June 28 2023 UBC Pride Connect: 2SLGBTQIA+ Faculty & Staff Reception (UBC)
• Sept 27-29 Breath of Fresh Air Summit (Outdoor Play Canada)
• Dec 03-05 Children's Healthcare Canada Annual Conference (CHC)

The Human Early Learning Partnership is situated within the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People.