Her Excellency Sharon Johnston will visit the Musqueam Indian Band to hear family stories of the HIPPY CANADA Pre-school Readiness Program

VANCOUVER, Feb. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Her Excellency Sharon Johnston, wife of Governor General David Johnston, will visit the Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program at the Musqueam Indian Band on Thursday, February 16, at 3:00 pm. The Governor General is a patron of the program. The Elders of the Musqueam First Nation will greet Her Excellency (photo opportunities immediately to follow). The families and home visitors from the Aboriginal HIPPY program will share stories of their children's educational success and the visions of hope early education provides. Her Excellency will have the opportunity to talk informally with the attendees before her tour of the community.

HIPPY Canada and Aboriginal HIPPY are unique programs that work with isolated mothers in their homes. It coaches them to support their pre-school child's success in school. It connects them with other mothers in their community who understand the issues and challenges and how to move their families out of isolation and into the community. In Musqueam, women weave the fabric of the community, carrying and sharing knowledge across generations. Aboriginal HIPPY has provided over 11 years of opportunities for young Musqueam families to learn and teach the skills they need to thrive.

The Musqueam have always lived in the area from Howe Sound down through the Fraser River estuary. Over half of Musqueam's growing population resides on the primary reserve on the North Arm of the Fraser River. We proudly celebrate our strong culture, and are proud to welcome Her Excellency to witness the positive effects Aboriginal HIPPY has made in our community.

HIPPY is fun, HIPPY works, HIPPY educates, HIPPY heals, and most importantly, HIPPY helps build a stronger Nation
-Chief Ernest Campbell, Musqueam Indian Band

Deborah Bell, CEO - President, HIPPY Canada
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]  Web: www.hippycanada.ca

Johnna Sparrow, Protocol Communications Department, Musqueam
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]