Region’s first Indigenous-focused child care centre coming to Cambridge

It’s a first of its kind in Waterloo Region.

Healing of the Seven Generations (H7G) will operate the region’s first Indigenous-led and Indigenous-focused child care centre at 30 Christopher Dr. in Cambridge.

The municipality is waving the facilities rental fee for five years, with two, five-year renewal options.

Ga’nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre will have space for up to 65 children with Indigenous children being given first priority.

H7G, Executive Director, Donna Dubie said centre’s programming will be rooted in cultural reclamation.

“In providing the day care and everything about it being culture. It’s brining back what was taken by residential schools. And, I truly believe we are working with our seventh generation of children right now.”

According to its website, H7G is based on the traditional philosophy that no decisions are to be made without first understanding how they will impact the next seven generations. H7G aims to heal the scars that still exist as a result of the residential school system.

Dubie said the centre will immerse the children in Indigenous culture.

“We will have knowledge keeper that are involved that will bring in teachings. We want to have the centre feel as comfortable and natural as the natural environment.”

Dubie said there will be daily smudging, the children will learn about the medicine wheel and they will be exposed to Indigenous foods.

She said the name Ga’nigǫhi:yo means “carry the peace”.

In a release, Regional Chair Karen Redman said, “The Region is excited to be able to offer a high-quality space to the Healing of the Seven Generations to support the creation of this important licensed child care program in our community.”

The centre will also have space for a family visiting room that will act as an alternative to Family and Children Services.

Ga’nigǫhi:yo Indigenous Child Care and Family Centre is expected to open in early 2025.