Celebrating our progress: Building a high-quality Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care System
By Dr. Melanie Manitowabi, Carolynne Warton, and Tammy Cayer-Dokis
ANISHINABEK NATION TERRITORY— The Anishinabek Nation Labour Market Development Department is proud to share the work underway through the Anishinabek Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Quality Improvement Project. Grounded in Anishinaabe teachings, languages, and worldviews, this project brings our communities together to define what high-quality early learning looks like for First Nations—on our terms, through our voices.
Since the start of 2025, we’ve made powerful strides under two core objectives. First, we’re working to define what high-quality IELCC truly means from an Indigenous perspective. This involves co-creating a collaborative inquiry model that uplifts community knowledge, identifies meaningful outcomes, and uses Anishinabek methods to measure success in ways that reflect our values. Second, we’re finding ways to support education and training for IELCC leaders, managers, and educators to strengthen the entire sector through a coordinated, community-driven approach.
From January to April, four regional sharing circles were held across Anishinabek territory—in Little Current, London, Chippewas of Rama, and Thunder Bay. These gatherings brought together over 40 participants from 24 First Nations, including educators, community leaders, and early childhood professionals. In May, follow-up Zoom gatherings helped to reflect on what we’ve learned and share early findings with those involved.
What we heard was both inspiring and consistent across all regions. Key themes emerged, including:
- Workforce Development and Educator Wellness
- Cultural Foundations and Language Revitalization
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaborative Systems
- Safety and Well-Being
- Holistic, Land-Based Learning
- Self-Determination and Indigenous Governance
- Family, Community and Intergenerational Engagement
- Equity, Access and Infrastructure
- Vision and Future Transformation
This community-led vision is shaping the future of Indigenous early learning and care.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to begin developing an Anishinaabe Early Learning website designed to support childcare centres, educators, and supervisors across our Nation. This new platform will be a space to share resources, tools, and teachings that reflect our unique approaches to early learning. An advisory committee will be formed to guide this work, meeting quarterly online to ensure that the site grows in response to the needs of our people.
This journey is just beginning and we welcome new partners and collaborators as we move forward. Together, we are building a vibrant, culturally-rooted early learning system that honours our children, families, and future generations.
Miigwech to all who have contributed so far—your voices are shaping lasting change.