The Martin Family Initiative (MFI) Early Years began in Maskwacis, Alberta, in 2018 with the aim of co-developing and implementing Indigenous-led, community-based, and relationship-driven early childhood services supporting children. The Early Years bridges community expertise and leadership across the health, education, and social services domains to support Indigenous women, children, and families. With support provided to families prenatally through to preschool stages, the program recognizes that strong Indigenous families and communities are integral to fostering healthy child and brain development. The Martin Family Initiative has engaged SRDC to conduct an economic evaluation of the Early Years to gain insight into both the inherent and economic costs and benefits associated with co-developing and implementing a culturally-grounded, holistic, and Indigenous-centred early childhood intervention model. The economic evaluation will comprise the benefits and costs of the Early Years for individuals and families, community, and governments. This project involves collaboration with members of the community, Maskwacis Health services, and the Martin Family Initiative.
Published: November 2023
Capability: Program Evaluation/ Performance Measurement - Socio-Economic Impact Assessment - Health Economics
Policy Area: Preschool - Health Services - Population Health
Population: Children - Communities and Families - Indigenous Peoples
Settling in a new country often involves adapting to a new language and culture, navigating new systems, finding housing and employment, and establishing social…
Read MoreThis research aims to build on a previous project with SRDC aimed at understanding how the Karma Project, a work-integrated social enterprise, supports the…
Read MoreBuilding on the learnings from the previous three years, the second phase of the Learning Outside Together: “Incorporating traditional wisdom and promising practices to…
Read More