Done Necha-lia Gha Enitl'e Ko
Aboriginal Head Start Centre
Yellowknives Dene First Nation
Box 2514
Yellowknife NT X1A 2P8
Tel: (867) 669-0975
Fax: (867) 669-0170
email

Welcome to our website! The Done Necha-lia Gha Enitl'e Ko Aboriginal Head Start Centre is located in Ndilo, Northwest Territories. The center opened its doors in May 1997. The program is administered by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, a member of the Akaitcho Treaty 8 First Nations.

The Aboriginal Head Start program provides an opportunity for 30 children to participate in a half-day preschool program. Dene and Metis children from Ndilo and the Yellowknife community attend the center and learn Dogrib language and culture in the classroom setting and events scheduled throughout the year. The Dogrib language is the primary Aboriginal language spoken, in addition to English.

We employ four staff members to deliver and administer the Aboriginal Head Start program: Reanna Erasmus, Teacher/Program Manager; Tina Zoe, Teacher; Fred Tsetta, Bus Driver.

The teaching staff implement the Dene culture and language into everyday classroom activities using the Dene Kede curriculum. For example, in working with the letter "B", a Renewable Resources Officer brought in a stuffed beaver, talked about what the habits of the beaver, and organized the children in building a beaver dam using pretzels and chocolate icing. The children also learn how to smoke fish, make drymeat, build a traditional toboggan, set rabbit snares, set fish nets, make dream catches or willow crafts, make a drum, and play hand games.

Our elders regularly visit our center and share old-time stories and legends.

The preschool program is having a positive impact on the children and is making a tremendous difference in their lives.

Our daily schedule is set as follows:
9:00 - 10:00 Free Play
10:00 - 10:30 Circle Time
10:30 - 11:00 Arts and Crafts
11:00 - 11:30 Snack
11:30 - 12:00 Free Play
1:00 - 2:00 Free Play
2:00 - 2:30 Circle Time
2:30 - 3:00 Arts and Crafts
3:00 - 3:30 Snack
3:30 - 4:00 Free Play

• "I like to learn A,B,C's; 1,2,3's, shapes, colours and I like colouring." Arlyn Snowshoe
• "I like playing with the toys and I like going to the playground." Jay Wright.
• "I like going to my school at the Church Hall and I like doing puzzles." Chad Colin
• "I like looking for my name and playing in the playground." Tristen Koe

Comments from Parents:

What changes have you noticed in your child's attitude or behavior?

• She is trying harder. She is learning to tie her shoes, telling her mom she needs more practice.
• He likes going to school and is more outgoing.
• Her attitude is unchanged. She is starting to be considerate of others feelings at times.
  He loves to write more and more.
• He has more skills, scissors, it's prepared him. Excited, independent, going home teaching parents some Dogrib words.
• She uses her manners more, always ties her shoes and is proud of it.
• Listens, he's completely changed his attitude, his speech has improved, he loves arts and crafts.
• She always talks about the cultural aspect. Never interested in it before.
• Listens a little more, puts seat belt on and gets everyone else to.

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