Promoting Diversity in

the Early Childhood

settings: A focus on three
Cultures
Indigenous Culture in Canada
Jamaican Culture
Dominican Republic Culture
 What is culture?

Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people,

encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts
(Zimmermann, 2017).
 The Indigenous Culture in
Canada
 History

The history of indigenous peoples in Canada is a difficult one.

The aboriginals inhabited Canada prior to the arrival of the
Europeans.
According to the Canadian Encyclopedia (2016) the indigenous
peoples had established complex social, political, economic and
cultural systems before the Europeans arrived.
 History

A Problematic History
-Indian Act
-Residential Schools
-Pass system
-Reserves
All had devastating consequences on the health and socio-economic
wellbeing of indigenous peoples.
 History

A Problematic History
When such actions are combined with racism, acts of segregation,
loss of land, and declining or unequal access to food resources and
public services, have had devastating consequences on the health
and socio-economic well-being of Indigenous peoples (The Canadian
Encyclopedia, 2016).
Residential Schools

For more than 100 years, the Canadian government took more than 150,000
Aboriginal children away from their families and put them in residential schools
that were far away from their homes (Government of Canada, 2014).
Indigenous Culture in Canada
The 2016 Canadian census outlines that there are 1.67
million people living in Canada who identify themselves
as aboriginals (The Canadian Encyclopaedia, 2007), that
is 4.9% of the Canadian population.
Indigenous Culture in Canada

Indigenous or aboriginal Peoples in Canada are divided into three groups

1. First Nation
2. Inuit
3. Metis
Indigenous Culture in Canada

First Nation
First Nations peoples were the original inhabitants of the land that is now
Canada, often occupying territories south of the Arctic (Canadian Encyclopedia,
2020).

There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which
represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages (Government of
Canada, 2021).
Indigenous Culture in Canada

Inuit

The Inuit mainly inhabit the northern regions of Canada. Their homeland,
known as Inuit Nunangat, includes much of the land, water and ice
contained in the Arctic region (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2020).
Indigenous Culture in Canada

Metis

Métis peoples are of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry, and live
mostly in the Prairie provinces and Ontario, but also in other parts of the
country (Canadian Encyclopedia, 2020).
Indigenous Culture in Canada

Metis

According to Statistics Canada's 2016 Census of Population results,

587,545 Canadians self-identified as Métis.

In Alberta there are 114,470 Canadians identified as Metis.

Aboriginal Food

Aboriginal diet consist mainly of the animals and plants found on the land
around them and in the sea.

Seal, whale, buffalo, caribou, walrus, polar bear, arctic hare (rabbit), all kinds of
fish and many species of bird were hunted or fished (Food in Every Culture, n. d)
Aboriginal Music and dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icancFGyxHw&t=1s
Aboriginal Clothing

The traditional powwow regalia (Robinson, 2018)

Traditional Clothing

Materials: cedar, Cotton

Buckskin, Beads
Ribbons, Porcupine quills,
Eagle’s feathers, bones and leather
and shiny metals such as copper, silver and
brass .
 Story: The Rainbow Serpent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOQZ2Gg1P4M
The Jamaican Culture
Jamaican Cultures

The current population of Jamaica is 2,976,888 as of Monday, September 20,

2021, based on Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data.
- The Caribbean island of Jamaica is known for its colorful culture and long list of
traditions.
- The official language of the island is English, so you’ll have no problems
communicating with local people, if that's your native language.
- one of the most famous dishes in Jamaica is jerk chicken and goat’s head soup, and
the cow foot stew.
Traditional Clothing
Traditional outfits are often completed with a head
scarf, wrapping up the wearer’s hair.
The Rastafarian outfit is also completed with a
hat, which the wearer will use to contain their
dreadlocks.
Religion in Jamaica
Jamaica is a mainly Christian nation and you’ll find
that the vast majority of locals are deeply religious
and attend church on Sunday with the whole
family.

21
Traditional Food
-Curry goat

-Jerk Chicken

-Ackee and saltfish

-Pepperpot soup

-Brown Stew chicken

Cultural dance
 The Dominican Republic Culture

What is the Dominican Republic?

Dominican Republic Culture

What is the Dominican Republic Culture

Dominican Republic became an independent nation on February 27, 1844 .

(Kiprop, 2018)

They have a wide range of unique traditions that has come by a very diverse
culture. Their traditions all have a historical and culture significance specific to
the country and are highly celebrated by the people. (Brathwaite, 2017)

Family is very important. Parents have to know who their children is hanging out
with. That includes their families. (Afs-Usa)
Where did the Dominican Republic culture
come from?
The Dominican culture is a mixture of the cultures of Spaniard Colonists, African
Slaves, and Taino Native. Out of those cultures the European, African, and Taino
culture are the most prominent in Dominican food, family structure, religion, and
music. (Afs-Usa)

The Dominican community are a very welcoming group of people with a great
sense of humor. (Afs-Usa)
Dominican Republic National Food

In the Dominican Republic they have a national food called “La bandera
dominicana” (AKA The Dominican Flag). They call this the king of all Dominican
recipes, the most famous and traditional dish. This dish is made up of three
basic ingredients: white rice, red beans, and stewed meat (mostly chicken or
beef). This is served as a foundation to which all types of “accessories” are
added, such as avocado, tostones (flattered fried plantain), green salad with
tomato, or cooked eggplant stew to named a few. (2021)
Dominican Republic National Food Continued...

In line with its name this dish

is inspired by their nation flag.
The rice is white, beans are red,
and the meat (with a little
imagination) is blue. (2021)
Here we are going to get up and try to do this
dance on the next slide. We have to stretch
first.
Dance
Let’s get up at dance to try this new
dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcP
HaV3p6S4
History behind the Dance

This dance originated in the Dominican Republic, which is a mixture of their

African and Spanish heritage. ()
The dance is a fast paced, lively dance music which contains lots of drums and
brass. (Brathwaite, 2017)
The dance was established in the 19th century (1801-1900). ()
Merengue is one of the foundational dances of Latin American. (Lewis, 2017)
The dance is easy to learn the movements and the upbeat music makes it
popular among the beginner and the experts dancers. (Lewis, 2017)
Dominican Republic Religion

Easter is celebrated even more than Christmas. (2020)

Christmas you get fireworks and Easter you get block parties and parades.
(2020)
There are also mass services during the week of Easter for those who practice
the religion. (2020)
At Christmas you get fireworks (Fuegoe Artificiales) are a major part of the
X-mas celebration to usher in the X-mas spirit. (Brathwaite, 2017)
Dominican Republic Religion Continued...

There is also a tradition of gift exchange called “Un Angelito” which means “Little
Angel”. (Brathwaite, 2017)

Anyone who wants to take part in the “Little Angel” can put their name in a sack.
Than each person picks a name. Than every week you give that person a present
throughout the holidays. However, your identity must be kept a secret until the
last day when you can reveal who you are. (Brathwaite, 2017)
Supporting Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood
settings

The most important thing is to always keep the parents informed about what is
happening at the center and try to get them involved.

Example, when there is a food week give each parent lots of notice and ask them if
they would like to participate in bring something and see if the kids would like to
help cook it. Or with dance week see if anyone would bring in their traditional
clothing, etc.
An Inclusive Environment

Creating an inclusive Environment for families

- Early learning Educators should be respectful to the beliefs and practices of

all families who may make specific requests for their children.
- Be sensitive to their needs and link the family to the resources that they
need (considering the history and the socio-economic conditions that may
exist).
Things that we can do as an educator

Build trust with the family

Background by encouraging to talk about their culture diversity

If language is a barrier use a interpreter

Be polite

Ask question if you’re not sure

Encourage the family and extended family member of the child involved and participate in program
and activities.

Helping children and family socialise with the other families

How could we put those into practice?

We can ask the children simple questions about their culture. We can get the
children to teach the educators about their cultures.
We can communicate with the parents about what the questions are ahead of
time so the parents can help the children understand if they need help.
We can have a culture food, dance, religion week within the year and they can
even bring in the traditional clothing to show everyone what they wear.
By doing this we can learn many things about the differences and similarities
about each of the children culture.
Resources to help teach the kids about culture

Most kids learn by seeing and doing. We as educators can talk about cultures
until we run out of breath, but what would the kids have learned. They need to
see the difference and similarities between each culture. By doing that we can
show the kids that it is ok to be different and unique. We can show different
dances, traditions cloths, or even read about it. Here are a few books that you
can find online.
Examples of Culture Books
(Indigo Books & Music) ()

(Indigo Books & Music) ()

Why is cultural diversity important?

Cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ ways of beings”. Furthermore,

people have different ideas, new knowledge and different experiences.

For example, as we interact with others we build trust, respect and

understanding as you are learning about other cultures.
Learning through the customs of others

- Be respectful
- Use empathy
- Encourage positive relationships
- Find ways to communicate
- Understand yourself
- Challenge stereotypes and Discrimination
- Be Open
- Asking families to share their stories
- Encouraging children to participate in oral storytelling
 Final Thoughts
A diverse environment has multiple
benefits for personal development. Outside
of becoming accepting and more aware of
other cultures, it can help smash previously
held stereotypes. Diversity and inclusion
breed productivity as the ability to learn and
grow from each other is exponentially
expanded.
References
Afs-Usa. (n.d.). Dominican Republic: Explore dominican culture: AFS-USA. AFS. Retrieved September 21, 2021,
from https://www.afsusa.org/countries/dominican-republic/#afs-nav-people

Brathwaite, S. (2017, May 9). 10 traditions ONLY DOMINICANS can understand. Culture Trip. Retrieved September
14, 2021, from https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/articles/10-traditions-only-dominican-can-understand

Dominican Food: The most traditional Caribbean flavors. Barceló Experiences. (2021, June 7). Retrieved
September 21, 2021, from
https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/en/dominican-republic/republica-dominicana/things-to-do/dominican-food

Food in Every Country. (n.d.). Canada Aboriginals. Food in Every Country. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from
http://www.foodbycountry.com/Algeria-to-France/Canada-Aboriginals.html

Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada; (2021, February 15). First
nations. Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada; Retrieved September
27, 2021, from https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100013791/1535470872302
References Continued...
Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada; (2021, June 18). Inuit.
Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada; Retrieved September 27, 2021,
from https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100014187/1534785248701

Government of Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. (2014, November 17). Colouring
book: Stained glass window in Parliament commemorating the legacy of Indian residential schools. Government of
Canada; Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from
https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1415375882354/1534960147355

HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. (n.d.). Merengue definition and meaning: Collins english dictionary. Merengue
definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/merengue
References Continued...
Indigo Books & Music, I. (n.d.). Sweetest Kulu. indigo.ca. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/9781772271119-item.html?s_campaign=goo-Shopping_Smart_Books&gcl
id=CjwKCAjw-sqKBhBjEiwAVaQ9a7MqpY9wE1DY0FxBRH5Ef6M52nCGKllSq0mjKRafX64Z50jAoLwweRoCPXMQAvD_BwE
&gclsrc=aw.ds

Indigo Books & Music, I. (n.d.). "We are water protectors". indigo.ca. Retrieved September 28, 2021, from
https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/search/?keywords=we+are+water+protectors#suggest=1&internal=1

t's okay to be different: Parr, Todd: 8601400302347: Books. It's Okay To Be Different: Parr, Todd: 8601400302347:
Books - Amazon.ca. (n.d.). Retrieved September 24, 2021, from
https://www.amazon.ca/Its-Okay-Different-Todd-Parr/dp/0316043478/ref=asc_df_0316043478/?tag=googleshopc0c
-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=296022056369&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17711631035670982953&hvpone=&hvptw
o=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001294&hvtargid=pla-458895638074&psc=1
References Continued...
Jamaica population (live). Worldometer. (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2021, from
https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/jamaica-population/

Kiprop, V. (2018, May 22). When did the Dominican Republic became a country? WorldAtlas. Retrieved September
20, 2021, from https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/when-did-the-dominican

Lewis, J. (2017, September 20). The origins of merengue dance. FloDance. Retrieved September 24, 2021, from
https://www.flodance.com/articles/5967193-the-origins-of-merengue-dance

Lonely Planet Dominican Republic 7 7th ed.: 7th edition: Harrell, ashley, Raub, Kevin: 9781786571403: Books. Lonely
Planet Dominican Republic 7 7th Ed.: 7th Edition: Harrell, Ashley, Raub, Kevin: 9781786571403: Books - Amazon.ca.
(n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2021, from
https://www.amazon.ca/Lonely-Planet-Dominican-Republic-7th/dp/1786571404/ref=asc_df_1786571404/?tag=googles
hopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312865754052&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=480433448817513169&hvpone=&hvpt
wo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001294&hvtargid=pla-393851217303&psc=1
References Continued
Morrow, K. (2018, September 20). An introduction to Jamaican culture & traditions: Sandals blog. Hello Paradise -
The Official Sandals Resorts Travel & Lifestyle Blog. Retrieved September 20, 2021, from
https://www.sandals.com/blog/jamaican-culture-and-traditions/

Parrott, Zach. "Indigenous Peoples in Canada". The Canadian Encyclopedia, 28 May 2020, Historica Canada.
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/aboriginal-people. Accessed 20 September 2021.

Robinson, A., Indigenous Regalia in Canada (2018). In The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indigenous-regalia-in-canada

Semana Santa: Holy Week in the Dominican Republic. Extreme Hotels Cabarete. (2020, October 29). Retrieved
September 23, 2021, from
https://extremehotels.com/semana-santa-holy-week-dominican-republic/#:~:text=Easter%2C%20Semana%20Santa
%2C%20is%20the,Christmas%2C%20and%20more%20solemnly%20celebrated

Zimmermann, K. A. (2017, July 13). What is culture? LiveScience. Retrieved September 27, 2021, from
https://www.livescience.com/21478-what-is-culture-definition-of-culture.html.