Beliefs and Values About Children

While First Nations, Métis and Inuit people have distinct cultures and languages, they also share common beliefs, values and histories. These shared ideologies motivated the writing of this Statement of Beliefs and Values about Children:

We believe that…

• Children are a gift from the Creator (p. 4, sect. 2 Gifts from the Creator, Hope for the Future)
• Children have a right to live proudly as Aboriginal people in the lands of their ancestors
• Children have a right to learn their respective Aboriginal language(s) and histories, cultural beliefs and cultural practices (p. 1, Aboriginal Children: The Healing Power of Cultural Identity)
• Each child is part of what makes a community whole
• It is essential for children to develop meaningful relationships with Elders, who carry the knowledge and history (p. 3, Elders Play an Important Role)
• Adults are community role models who are to teach children how to live a good life (p. 3, Whether you’re a Parent, Caregiver or Health Practitioner, you can help foster a Child’s Identity)
• Children deserve opportunities to gain knowledge and experience of how to live a good life.
• Children acquire knowledge by watching, listening, and doing.  Adults are responsible for encouraging and guiding them in all those activities (p. 3, Whether you’re a Parent, Caregiver or Health Practitioner, you can help foster a Child’s Identity)
• Children through being loved, valued, and encouraged will gain the courage, the strength and the wisdom to use the power of a good mind and spirit in all that they do.
• Children have a right to enjoy the opportunities that education offers.
• Children have a right to live in healthy, self-determining communities that are free of violence.