McCormick selected to lead researchers studying early childhood development...

Rod McCormick is B.C.’s choice to lead researchers studying early childhood development among First Nations in Kamloops. He will head teams at Thompson Rivers University. McCormick, a psychologist, has worked with the Canadian Institutes of Mental Health on such projects as Aboriginal mental health and youth suicide. Children’s Minister Stephanie Cadieux said McCormick is a national expert and will help improve culturally-appropriate programs for Aboriginal children. Support from First Nations helped attract McCormick to the facility, said Alan Shaver, president of the university. The project involves $2.5 million; half from a 2007 grant from the Children’s Ministry. An endowment fund created in 2002 with the private sector and awarded to 29 post-secondary facilities around the province will supply the balance.