Indigenous children make up about 9% of all children in British Columbia. Yet they often face greater barriers than non-Indigenous children in accessing early learning and childcare. Many Indigenous families experience educational inequities, including a lack of culturally relevant resources. These challenges can hinder early literacy development, putting children’s long-term academic success and cultural connections at risk.

Aboriginal PALS (Parents As Literacy Supporters) is designed to help address these barriers. The program offers culturally responsive literacy support that respects and integrates Indigenous knowledge, traditions and values. It aims to bridge gaps and help ensure Indigenous children develop strong foundational skills for success in school and beyond.

PALS program benefits

For children, Aboriginal PALS supports:

• improved literacy skills
• stronger cultural identity
• greater school readiness

For parents and caregivers, it offers:

• empowerment and confidence
• culturally relevant learning experiences
• practical, play-based strategies to support literacy at home

Origins and Indigenous adaptation of PALS

The original Parents As Literacy Supporters (PALS) program was co-developed in 1999 by Fiona Morrison and Dr. Jim Anderson in the Langley School District. It was created to help families support children’s early literacy development through culturally responsive, play-based activities.

The Aboriginal PALS adaptation was developed by Gail Stromquist, in consultation with Elders and First Nations communities. Gail, a member of the Spuzzum First Nation and assistant director for Aboriginal Education at the BC Teachers’ Federation, has 20 years of teaching experience in Langley. Most of the program’s artwork was created by her brother, BC Indigenous artist Carl Stromquist.

Indigenous cultural family learning

Aboriginal PALS runs for eight weeks, with each session lasting 2.5 to 3 hours. It serves 10 to 12 families, providing a flexible structure that allows families to fully participate and benefit from the program’s culturally grounded learning experiences.

Each session includes three components:

• adult-only time to introduce themes and strategies
• joint adult-child activities focused on literacy development
• a closing circle to reflect and share as a group

Program modules include:

• Elders in the Community
• Taking Care of Mother Earth
• Two-Legged, Four-Legged, Finned, and Feathered
• Knowing Who You Are and Where You Come From
• Oral Tradition
• Tradition, Protocol, and Ceremony
• Family and Community

High-quality Indigenous books and learning materials

Aboriginal PALS provides resources that empower families, strengthen literacy skills and foster pride in Indigenous heritage, including:

1. Indigenous Books
   • encourage a love of reading and storytelling.
   • connect children with Indigenous authors and cultural knowledge.
   • support language development and cultural identity.
2. Hands-On Learning Materials
   • cedar weaving, bannock-making, and storytelling tools enrich learning.
   • reinforce literacy, numeracy, and cultural skills.
3. Community Engagement Resources
   • involvement of Elders and Indigenous educators strengthens intergenerational learning.
   • culturally safe learning environments encourage family participation.
4. Interactive Learning Tools
   • traditional games like sla:hal help develop critical thinking and language skills.
   • storytelling props and art materials enhance learning experiences.
5. Miscellaneous
   • organizational tools and take-home resources extend learning beyond the program.

Facilitator Training

The training provides the philosophical overview and shape of the PALS program, including a review of the session themes and a discussion of appropriate program resources, such as:

• play-based learning activities
• suggestions for how to work with adult participants and Indigenous communities
• philosophies of child development
• information about cultural sensitivity
• how to embed Indigenous ways of knowing and being within a PALS program
• sharing authentic Indigenous resources

Decoda coordinates all PALS program facilitator training and resources. To arrange PALS training in your community or to learn more about the program, contact Aliza at: adhungana@decoda.ca

Support Aboriginal PALS

Donate Today!

Your support will directly strengthen early literacy and cultural connections for Indigenous families. With this funding, you are helping to empower families, preserve cultural traditions and foster literacy in a way that honours Indigenous knowledge and heritage.

Decoda Literacy is deeply grateful to the Rina M. Bidin Foundation and FortisBC for their generous support of Aboriginal PALS.