A Narrative Inquiry Into the Experiences of Urban Indigenous Families As They Ready Their Children For, and During, Kindergarten

Abstract

In this paper we draw on a study alongside urban Indigenous families in western Canada that inquired narratively into their experiences as they readied their children for, and their children participated in, kindergarten. We built relationships with eight urban Indigenous families. As we looked across their experiences, six resonant threads became visible: each family and their life situations are unique; families wish for mutual respect and collaboration between school and family; respect is significant; families are invested in their children doing well in schools; siblings shape stories of school readiness; and intergenerational stories and places shape readiness.