Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Inc.

Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start Inc. Building pride in our indigenous children and families since 1997 on these unceded Algonquin Territor A staff: child ratio or 1:8 is maintained at all times.

Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start (MAHS) opened its doors to Ottawa’s Aboriginal preschool children in September 1997. The Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start is funded through Health Canada’s Aboriginal Head Start Initiative. As such, there is no payment of fees for children to attend the program. The program is licensed under the Day Nurseries Act of the Ministry of Youth & Child Services for 16 children.

Looking for a fun, supportive, and culturally grounded program for your child? Makonsag’s Head Start is a FREE program f...
08/04/2026

Looking for a fun, supportive, and culturally grounded program for your child?

Makonsag’s Head Start is a FREE program funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada—and you do not need the City of Ottawa Child Care Subsidy to participate!

Our holistic approach supports children and families through the Six Head Start Principles:
• Education
• Culture & Language
• Caregiver Involvement
• Social Support
• Health Promotion
• Nutrition

Every child deserves a strong foundation. Makonsag helps children build confidence, learn through culture, and thrive by bringing together the support of family, school, and community in a welcoming, culturally enriching environment.

Eligibility: Children and families who identify as First Nations, Inuit, or Métis are welcome to enroll.

Spaces are limited—contact us today to learn more and register!

Are you passionate about early childhood education and committed to supporting Indigenous children, families, and commun...
07/30/2026

Are you passionate about early childhood education and committed to supporting Indigenous children, families, and communities? Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start is looking for caring, dedicated, and enthusiastic educators to join our growing team.
This is more than a job; it's an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive environment that values culture, wellness, professional growth, and work-life balance.
Benefits of Working at Makonsag
•Daily Off-Floor Time
Enjoy dedicated time each day for planning, documentation, classroom preparation, and professional reflection.
•Weekly Team Meetings
Collaborate with supportive colleagues, share ideas, celebrate successes, and strengthen your practice together.
•Quarterly Professional Development Days
Invest in your growth through paid learning opportunities, cultural teachings, workshops, and skill development.
•Comprehensive Benefits Package
Take care of yourself and your family with a competitive benefits plan designed to support your overall well-being.
•Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access confidential counselling, wellness resources, and support services whenever you need them.
• Culture-Centred Environment
Work in a program that honours Indigenous traditions, languages, teachings, and community connections while fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
•Make a Lasting Difference
Help children develop confidence, belonging, and a strong cultural identity during their most important early years.
Everyone Is Welcome Here
We warmly welcome applicants from all backgrounds. You do not need to be Indigenous to join our team. We value diversity, respect, and a genuine commitment to learning and supporting Indigenous children, families, and communities.
Whether you identify as Indigenous or as an ally, if you bring compassion, curiosity, cultural humility, and a passion for early learning, we encourage you to apply.
We're Looking For People Who:
•Have a passion for working with young children
•Value Indigenous culture, knowledge, and ways of learning
•Believe in building strong relationships with families and communities
•Enjoy working as part of a collaborative team
•Are committed to creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing learning environments
•Are open to ongoing learning, reflection, and cultural growth
Join Us
If you're ready to be part of a team that values children, culture, community, and educator wellness, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today https://makonsag.bamboohr.com/careers/34

Celebrate our youngest community members at the Baby Welcoming Ceremony during the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children and Y...
04/10/2026

Celebrate our youngest community members at the Baby Welcoming Ceremony during the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children and Youth Pow Wow. This annual event honours newborns with a welcoming song and special acknowledgment from our Elders.
Registration: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx...
Deadline is April 22nd, 2026 - 11:00pm.
Date: Saturday April 25th, 2026
Time: Teachings -10:30am | Ceremony 11:00am
Location: EY Centre
For questions about the baby welcoming ceremony registration, itinerary, or protocols, please email Jennifer Jerome at [email protected]

Join us for the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children & Youth Pow Wow — a special day celebrating our children, youth, culture...
03/20/2026

Join us for the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children & Youth Pow Wow — a special day celebrating our children, youth, culture, and community.
🗓 Saturday, April 25th, 2026
📍 EY Centre – 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, ON
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✨ Grand Entry: 12:00 PM
🎉 Free Admission – All Are Welcome!
Come celebrate with us and enjoy:
• Baby Welcoming Ceremony
• Drumming & Dancing
• Cultural Teachings
• Indigenous Market Place
• Family Activities and more
More details to come — stay tuned!💛

Join us for the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children & Youth Pow Wow — a special day celebrating our children, youth, culture...
03/20/2026

Join us for the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children & Youth Pow Wow — a special day celebrating our children, youth, culture, and community.
🗓 Saturday, April 25th, 2026
📍 EY Centre – 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, ON
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✨ Grand Entry: 12:00 PM
🎉 Free Admission – All Are Welcome!
Come celebrate with us and enjoy:
• Baby Welcoming Ceremony
• Drumming & Dancing
• Cultural Teachings
• Indigenous Market Place
• Family Activities and more
More details to come — stay tuned!💛

Join us for the 25th Ottawa Indigenous Children & Youth Pow Wow — a special day celebrating our children, youth, culture, and community.

🗓 Saturday, April 25th, 2026
📍 EY Centre – 4899 Uplands Drive, Ottawa, ON
⏰ 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✨ Grand Entry: 12:00 PM
🎉 Free Admission – All Are Welcome!

Come celebrate with us and enjoy:
• Baby Welcoming Ceremony
• Drumming & Dancing
• Cultural Teachings
• Indigenous Market Place
• Family Activities and more

More details to come — stay tuned!💛

We will be at Algonquin College on January 27th for the Indigenous Student Career Fair. Stop by our table to learn about...
01/20/2026

We will be at Algonquin College on January 27th for the Indigenous Student Career Fair. Stop by our table to learn about exciting career opportunities with Makonsag!

Only one week to go until the Ottawa Indigenous Student Career Fair!

We are happy to offer our attendees complimentary headshots, taken by local Indigenous photographer Tracey Lynne Photography! Headshots will be e-mailed out after the event, so please ensure you are registered here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ottawa-indigenous-student-career-fair-student-registration-tickets-1975643075622?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/21/2025

Today, we celebrate Child Care Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day!

From all of us at Makonsag Aboriginal Head Start, thank you to the incredible educators, caregivers, and helpers who guide our little ones each day with love, patience, and cultural pride.

At Makonsag, our early childhood educators are not only teachers, they are storytellers, land stewards, language keepers, and knowledge carriers. Through songs, drumming, art, play, and ceremony, you are helping raise children who are proud of who they are and where they come from.

You nurture with intention. You lead with your hearts. You are helping build a strong future for our children, families, and Nations.

Today and every day, we honour your sacred work!

Families, please register for this wonderful event!
07/07/2025

Families, please register for this wonderful event!

As the old school year ends and a new one begins, the Indigenous Early Years Circle invites you to join us for our annual Back-to-School Celebration. Come celebrate the start of a new school year with local and Indigenous-led organizations, friends, and community. Dinner included, parking on site and free school supplies will be provided for students in grades K–12.

The event will take place on July 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00 PM in the gymnasium at the Hardini Centre, 235 Donald Street.

Spaces are limited, and registration is mandatory.
Use the link on our Linktree to register😁

We look forward to seeing you there!

It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Kare...
01/17/2025

It is with both heavy hearts and deep gratitude that we invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Karen Green — a beloved mother, a loving sister and auntie, an inspiring leader, and a fierce advocate for Indigenous people. Her unwavering commitment to bringing awareness to issues impacting our communities, particularly Indigenous women and children will stand as a lasting legacy for Ottawa and beyond.

Please join us in remembering Karen and honoring her legacy within our organization and the wider Indigenous community.

Join us on Monday!
10/27/2024

Join us on Monday!

The Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition Career Fair
Date: October 28, 2024
Time: 11 AM - 5 PM
Location: Ottawa Convention and Events Centre - 200 Coventry Road

We welcome both Indigenous and non-Indigenous job seekers to join us!

Scan the QR Code to view more on the Career Fair or visit www.ottawaaboriginalcoalition.ca/career-fair-2024

Address

1770 Courtwood Crescent
Ottawa, ON
K2C2B5

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 7:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 7:30am - 6pm
Thursday 7:30am - 6pm
Friday 7:30am - 6pm

Telephone

+16137245844

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