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Preschool programs for socially vulnerable children are believed to affect school readiness and language development but infrequently include follow-up to adolescence; observational measurement of receptive vocabulary is rare. The purpose of this longitudinal cohort study (55 children and 41 parents) was to report the trajectory of receptive vocabulary development for socially vulnerable children of diverse ethnicities (Indigenous, other Canadian-born, and Immigrant) who participated in a two-generation preschool program. English receptive vocabulary scores were measured at 5-time points: (a) program intake, (b) program exit, (c) age 7 years, (d) age 10 years, and (e) adolescence, using the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test – Third Edition (PPVT-III). For all children, PPVT-III scores increased the most between program intake and exit and positive changes were sustained until adolescence. When the sample was examined by gender, PPVT-III scores were higher for boys than girls at all time points. When the sample was examined by ethnicity, other Canadian-born children scored higher than Indigenous and Immigrant children at all time points. Immigrant children scored lowest until age 7 years, and at age 10 years and adolescence scored higher than Indigenous children. Using mixed-effects modeling, PPVT-III scores increased when English was the primary language spoken at home at intake. PPVT-III scores increased slightly as caregiver age and caregiver Adverse Childhood Experiences score increased. PPVT-III scores were lower for Immigrant girls and Indigenous boys than other sub-groups of children. Differential effects of the two-generation preschool program by gender and ethnicity suggest tailoring programming to increase equitability of receptive vocabulary development for immigrant girls and Indigenous boys. Children with intergenerational adversity may require additional support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a cross‐national comparison of social work in two countries, Australia and Canada, about the care of Indigenous children within the context of colonization and the evolving profession. The discussion is based on data from two empirical studies that examined professional discourse relating to the removal of Indigenous children from their families and Indigenous peoples more broadly within key historical time frames. The studies involved a content analysis of the flagship journals of the Australian and Canadian professional associations. It is argued that a critical interrogation of professional discourse within these historical and national particularities provides insights that can inform a broader understanding of how practices and constructions of social work are shaped within contemporary practice contexts. The studies revealed that very little attention was paid to problematizing colonial policies and practices, including the state‐sanctioned forcible removal of countless Indigenous children from their biological families, while the professions in both countries were complicit in the oppressive treatment of Indigenous peoples that have left a legacy of intergenerational trauma. The findings suggest a way of understanding social work as a discipline beyond the historical specificities of the two countries that has relevance to social work across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The release of a Canadian Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework highlights the importance of recent, Indigenous-specific information to describe the landscape of child care among Indigenous children in Canada; however, there has been a gap in identity-specific, national data on child care for Indigenous children. The purpose of the current study was to address data gaps on participation in child care for First Nations children living off reserve, Métis, and Inuit children. Furthermore, two years of data are examined which provide information on child care use both prior to and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, First Nations children living off reserve (49%) and Inuit children (42E %)1 were significantly less likely to participate in child care compared with non-Indigenous children (60%), although Métis children (60%) were equally likely to participate in child care compared with non-Indigenous children. Only First Nations children living off reserve (40%) were significantly less likely than non-Indigenous children (53%) to participate in child care in 2020. In terms of the type of child care used, Inuit children were more likely to be in a daycare centre (70%) compared with non-Indigenous children (52%) in 2019, although Inuit children's participation in a daycare centre dropped to 46E% in 2020. This is likely due to public health restrictions which closed many child care centres during the pandemic, as over one-third of child care in the territories is centre-based. The findings provide important information about patterns of child care use for Indigenous children both before and during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many Indigenous communities view children as sacred gifts deserving of love and respect, and as the ones who will carry their collective ways of life forward. However, young Indigenous peoples within Canada face disproportionate challenges to their health and well-being. These challenges are partly a result of ongoing colonial practices within professional services. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action regarding improvements to professional education and training, our team conducted an international scoping review, identifying how Indigenous pedagogy is rarely included in curricular development. We completed the scoping review's consultation phase in the Anishinabeg communities of Long Point First Nation and Rapid Lake, Quebec. In this consultation, we posed the following questions: What are Anishinaabe perspectives on and experiences of child-focused professional practices? How are child-focused professionals currently prepared to work with young Anishinabeg peoples? How should they be prepared? Participants highlighted the importance of professionals learning Indigenous history and Anishinaabe culture, having field-based education, and engaging children with hands-on activities. Professionals encountered little to no Indigenous-focused content in their formal education, with most exposure occurring in continuing education settings. Our results suggest Indigenous ways of knowing can and should be honored in child-focused professional education, thereby supporting the development of effective and culturally-safe relationships between professionals and Indigenous peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study on the factors that influenced Indigenous children in Canada to have a plan for their future. Topics mentioned include the role of brave spaces in helping Indigenous children achieve or maintain wellness, the importance of shifting to a determinant of life focus, and the use of a life course perspective to determine the effects of colonialism.

In contrast to most Indigenous people in Canada, Inuit appeared until recently to have been protected from type 2 diabetes (T2D) related to obesity. We assessed the associations of metabolites (amino acids, acylcarnitines) with adiposity and biomarkers of T2D in school-aged Inuit children of Nunavik (Canada). Concentrations of metabolite were measured in plasma samples from a cross-sectional analysis of 248 children (mean age = 10.8 years). We assessed associations of plasma metabolites with adiposity measures (BMI, skinfold thicknesses) and T2D markers (insulin, glucose, adiponectin). Plasma concentrations of valine and tyrosine were higher in obese and overweight children compared to those of normal weight children (P < 0.05). An increment of 1-SD in BMI (SD = 3.3 kg/m2) was statistically associated with an increment of 0.21 (95% CI: 0.08, 0.33) for valine, 0.15 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.27) for isoleucine and 0.17 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.29) for tyrosine. Insulin concentration increased with concentrations of all amino acids (P < 0.05) except methionine. None of the acylcarnitines measured were statistically significantly associated with adiposity or T2D biomarkers A signature of metabolites, particularly higher levels of branched-chain amino acids, might allow for early detection of T2D among school-aged Inuit children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores organizational conditions for change to promote active Indigenous representation and service outcome improvements in a provincial child welfare program responsible for the ongoing oppression of Indigenous Peoples. Specific structural and environmental variables that support or impede Indigenous professionals' efforts toward critically needed improvements to Indigenous child welfare services are explored. Amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis level of Indigenous children in care, the results indicate that developing highly specialized and equitably resourced Indigenous services, rather than ongoing ineffective and vague organizational approaches toward "indigenizing" provincial child welfare programs, are strongly indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While tobacco is sacred in many Indigenous cultures, the recreational misuse of commercial tobacco is highly addictive and harmful. Tobacco misuse is the leading preventable cause of premature death in the world. Smoking rates among Canadian Indigenous youth are at least three times higher than for their non-Aboriginal peers, an alarming statistic on many levels. The tolls on health from extensive tobacco use range from disproportionately high individual mortality and morbidity to heavy socioeconomic burdens on Indigenous communities. Paediatric health care providers are uniquely positioned to collaborate with community stakeholders to prevent and treat tobacco misuse in young people and their families, while understanding the cultural value of tobacco for many Indigenous peoples. Targeted interventions can positively impact length and quality of life, improve overall health and decrease the immense social and human costs of tobacco misuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Most national surveys examining diet leave large segments of the Aboriginal population under-represented. The present study aimed to: (i) review primary research studies that investigated the dietary intakes of Canadian school-aged Aboriginal youths; (ii) summarise the tools and methodologies currently used to measure diet in this population; and (iii) identify knowledge gaps and suggest areas of future research. Methods A systematic review of research published between January 2004 and January 2014 related to the diets of Canadian school-aged (6-18 years) Aboriginal youths was undertaken, including Medline, Scopus, ERIC, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Studies were summarised based on purpose, year, sample population, setting, dietary assessment method and main findings. Results Twenty-four studies were reviewed, all of which were cross-sectional in design. Most ( n = 16; 67%) were from Ontario or Quebec, investigated the diets of First Nations ( n = 21; 88%) youths and took place in remote or isolated settings ( n = 18; 75%). Almost all of the studies used the 24-h recall to assess intake ( n = 19; 79%), of which 89% used a single recall. The findings suggest that the diets of Aboriginal youths could be improved. Of particular concern are inadequate intakes of vegetables and fruit, milk and alternatives, fibre, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D, concomitant with an excess consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, snacks and fast foods. Traditional foods remain important but tend to be consumed infrequently. Conclusions The diets of Canadian Aboriginal youths are energy-dense and nutrient-poor. The diets of Inuit and Métis youths, in particular, and perceptions of a balanced diet warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canada went through a tough discussion in July 2013 when it was revealed that between 1942 and 1952 unethical and harmful research was conducted on Aboriginal peoples, most of whom were children. Beyond simply condemning unethical research with Indigenous populations, we need to examine why this happened and understand what the implications and lessons are for "policy research" moving forward. Policy research is a powerful tool when conducted in the proper way. We must never lose sight of the reason we are engaged in the activity: to improve well-being through the improvement of understanding that leads to change. The research process must, itself, be part of the positive process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An essay is presented on Aboriginal people of Canada. It offers a history of indigenous people and examines building of the Canadian national identity including treaties signed by the Canadian government to gain control of Aboriginal land. The author discusses the residential school system under which children were forcibly taken away from their families.

This study moves beyond evidence left behind by church and state officials to ask who knew what when about residential schooling in Canada. While our historical knowledge about residential schooling and the people involved in and affected by it has grown in recent years, scholars have characteristically focused on official church and state agents. Other non-Aboriginal individuals who lived in or spent some time in Aboriginal communities, and who are not typically implicated in residential schooling, have consequently been overlooked as a source of knowledge about the truth of residential schooling. By broadening our examination of the various people who knew about residential schooling, by considering what they knew, and by coming to terms with the truth that many of them did little or nothing to stop the abuse they witnessed, this study suggests that we can more fully understand ourselves and our history, and we can be more properly prepared to move forward in a process of reconciliation and healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Although Aboriginal children seem to be more susceptible to developing obesity and metabolic disorders than other ethnic groups in Canada, few studies have examined adiposity comprehensively in this population. The purpose of this study was to assess total and central adiposity in Canadian Aboriginal and Caucasian children matched by age, gender and maturity. Methods. A total of 212 Aboriginal and 204 Caucasian children (8–17 years) were recruited. Heights, weights and waist circumferences were measured and classified using international standards. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) indicated relative total body and trunk fatness. Age of peak height velocity was predicted from somatic growth. Descriptives with independent t-tests and Chi-square analyses were run to detect ethnic differences. ANCOVA was used to assess differences in total body and trunk fatness (covariates height, chronological age and biological age) in girls and boys separately. Results. Overweight/obesity and central adiposity were more prevalent in Aboriginal children compared with Caucasian children (p < 0.05). Ethnic differences in total body and trunk fatness were also significant, with Aboriginal girls and boys presenting, on average, 5.4% and 6.0% more total body fatness and 7.6% and 8.3% more trunk fatness, than Caucasian girls and boys, respectively (p < 0.01). Conclusion. Canadian Aboriginal children have greater prevalence of overweight/obesity and central adiposity, and higher relative total body fatness and trunk fatness than their Caucasian peers, which may predispose them to cardiovascular and metabolic disorders at a very young age. Longitudinal research is needed to confirm the associated health risks in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Reports on child health in Canada often refer to the disproportionate burden of poor health experienced by Aboriginal children and youth, yet little national data are available. This paper describes the health of First Nations and Inuit children and youth based on the First Nations and Inuit Regional Health Survey (FNIRHS). Study design. The FNIRHS combines data from 9 regional surveys conducted in 1996-1997 in Aboriginal reserve communities in all provinces. The target population consisted of all onreserve communities. All households or a random sample of households or adults (depending on province) were selected based on their population representation. Methods. One child was randomly selected from each participating household, except in Ontario and Nova Scotia, where children were randomly selected based upon their population representation. Alberta did not include the section on children's health in their regional survey. Results. Approximately 84% of adults, who were proxy respondents for their child, rated their children's health as very good or excellent. The most frequently reported conditions were ear problems (15%), followed by allergies (13%) and asthma (12%). Broken bones or fractures were the most frequently reported injuries (13%). Respondents reported that 17% of children had behavioural or emotional problems. Overall, 76% of children were reported to get along with the family "very well" or "quite well." Conclusions. While most respondents rated their child's health as very good or excellent, injuries, emotional and behavioural problems, respiratory conditions and ear problems were reported among many Aboriginal children. Issues such as substance abuse, exposure to violence and academic performance were not addressed in the 10 core survey questions. Clearly there is a need for more in-depth information about both the physical and emotional health of Aboriginal children and youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the challenges faced by indigenous children and youth when provincial government announced ‘stay at home orders', with the intention of slowing down the spread of COVID 19. Topics include various forms of cultural support and visits with their biological families; and gain skills to survive emotional pain associated with living in foster care.

The author observes that the Canadian federal government has adopted a narrow definition of the Jordan's Principle stating that when a dispute arises regarding public services for a First Nation child, the government of first contact pays for the service and addresses payment disputes later. She informs that the narrow definition has been found to be unlawful by the Federal Court of Canada and the Human Rights Tribunal. She also mentions that First Nations children experience service delays.