Fatherhood

Indigenous Father's Project
February 2007

The main purpose of this ongoing project is to open up Aboriginal fatherhood as a new area of inquiry, community action, and policy reform. It is first in Canada to explore First Nations and Metis Fathers' of becoming fathers, learning to take care of their children , and being involved as parents in families and communities. New resources to be launched in March 2007 include a documentary DVD and resource pack to encourage and support Indigenous fathers' involvement.

"Understanding Fathering: The Early Head Start Study of Fathers of Newborns."

Cheri A. Vogel, Kimberly Boller, Jennifer Faerber, Jacqueline D. Shannon, and Catherine S. Tamis-LeMonda.

This research examines factors affecting fathers' continuing support of and engagement in relationships with their very young children. It addresses who the fathers are, what level of involvement they have with their children and families, and how this involvement changes over time. Using a sample of men whose children were involved in Early Head Start or other comprehensive community-based programs, the researchers conclude that fathers were present in their children's lives, involved with them in multiple ways, and had nurturing and supportive interactions. Although fathers faced many stressors, including depression, they also had many supports.

Back to top of page