DataNB
The latest from the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training

Under One Sky is a registered non-profit organization and one of over 100 Friendship Centres in Canada. Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Under One Sky is a vibrant and caring community hub that aims to empower a healthy and proud Indigenous community through the programs and services it offers.

The Under One Sky Aboriginal Head Start (AHS) program is the focus of the centre’s new partnership with NB-IRDT. This partnership is being facilitated by Dr. Jason Hickey in UNB’s Faculty of Nursing. Together, Under One Sky, NB-IRDT and Dr. Hickey will research the outcomes for families that took part in the program. With the goal of supporting the early childhood development of Indigenous children as they enter the mainstream school system, AHS serves Indigenous families and their children aged 2-5 who live in the Fredericton area. The program provides activities that help children grow socially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, teaching them about the language and culture of their communities, while educating families to provide a holistic approach to wellness.

Together, Under One Sky, NB-IRDT, and Dr. Hickey will investigate the impact the AHS program has on participating families, as well as examining inequities between the families who applied and the general population of New Brunswick. Using administrative data to focus on the health, education, and income profiles of the families and the educational and behavioural outcomes of the children who participated, NB-IRDT will provide results to assist Under One Sky direct the future delivery of their program toward even greater success.

Learn more about the Aboriginal Head Start program and other services offered by Under One Sky.