Vision and purpose
The Aboriginal Infant Development Program (AIDP) promotes healthy child development for Indigenous children from birth to age three (and in some cases up to age six), through early, family-centred, culturally rooted support. The program aims to strengthen bonds between children, families, and communities while affirming Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
What they do
- Provide home-based, family-led services that support developmental milestones, parenting goals, and holistic wellness.
- Offer culturally meaningful programming, often guided by Elders and incorporating ceremony, language, and traditional knowledge.
- Assist families in navigating available supports, including referrals to speech-language therapy, supported child care, and health services.
- Tailor services to the unique context of each family, whether on-reserve, urban, Métis, or other Indigenous identities.
Key features
- AIDP began in 1992 and now operates across 49 communities in British Columbia.
- Programs are designed and delivered by Indigenous communities and organizations, with support from the Ministry of Children and Family Development and the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres.
- The program values cultural safety, respect for family choice, and long-term relationships as the foundation for child development.
Impact and benefits
- Early identification and support for developmental needs can reduce future barriers and improve long-term outcomes.
- Connection to culture and identity strengthens family resilience and community belonging.
- Programs reduce the need for intrusive or crisis-based services later in a child’s life by supporting families from the start.
How to access
- Services are free and voluntary, and families can self-refer or be referred by a public health nurse, physician, or community support worker.
- AIDP consultants visit families in their homes, meet them in community settings, or provide support virtually where needed.
- A provincial AIDP Advisor supports training, coordination, and practice standards across the province.
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