2025 All Nations Childcare Gathering celebrates Indigenous Early Learning and Language Revitalization
SUDBURY & MANITOULIN ISLAND, ON (July 24, 2025) — The 2025 All Nations Childcare Gathering, hosted by Kenjgewin Teg’s Manitoulin and Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All (MMSLCA), brought together early learning educators, Knowledge Keepers, caregivers, and community members for three powerful days of learning, inspiration, and celebration. Held July 16 and 17 in Sudbury and July 18 on Manitoulin Island, this year’s gathering centred around the theme: “Kognaawsigaaswad gdoo binoojiimnaanig miinwaa wii ntawging gdin nwewininaa,” meaning “Nurturing Our Children and Fostering Language Revitalization.”
The event opened in Sudbury at the Holiday Inn with Master of Ceremonies Brent Edwards (Mooselegs), an opening prayer by Elders Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor and Martina Osawamick, and an Honour Song by the Black Bull Moose Singers. Kenjgewin Teg President Dr. Beverley Roy delivered a warm welcome and opening remarks, reflecting on the importance of Indigenous-led education and the growing impact of Anishinaabemowin language revitalization.
“As we begin to privilege our Anishinabek culture and Anishinaabemowin as part of our early learning education vision and goals, we will begin to see a return to ourselves, a return to nurturing our own spirits,” shared Dr. Roy. “At the same time, I acknowledge the reality that we do live in two worlds; one being the world of a legacy of colonization, and the other being our kind and loving Anishinaabe teachings.”
Wednesday’s keynote, ‘Walking With My Relations,’ was delivered by respected educator and speaker Dr. Pamela Toulouse. Following the keynote, participants engaged in three different workshop rotations: ‘Inoojiinhs Ntam Gaashkibijigan (Baby’s First Bundle’) with Laurie McLeod-Shabogesic; ‘Spirit’s Journey’ with Dan Garcia; and ‘3 M’s of My Learning’ with Ninaatig Staats Pangowish.
The day also featured a powerful language success story presentation: ‘Ebipskaabiiwdoonaa Maanda Anishinaabemowin Binoojiinhsak Wii Kendimowaat (Bringing Back Anishinaabemowin Within Our Babies)’ shared by Ngwaagan Eshkibok, Anishinaabemowin Immersion Support Worker with Mooshkin Anishinaabemowin Gamig.
To wrap up Day 1, attendees enjoyed an 80s-themed karaoke dinner, complete with a costume contest and fun prizes.
Day 2 of the gathering focused on deepening understanding of cultural and spiritual approaches to early learning.
Presentations included: ‘The Sacredness of Educating a Child’ with Dr. Rhonda Hopkins, ‘Anishinaabe Biiskaabiyang Begins With Us: Revitalizing Indigenous Early Childhood Education’ with Dr. Melanie Manitowabi and ‘From a Parent’s Perspective with Jessica Shonias.’
Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost led Thursday’s keynote on self-care for educators and caregivers. The day concluded with a closing prayer by Elders Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor and Elder Martina Osawamick, and a song by the Black Bull Moose Singers.
The third and final day brought participants to Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) for site visits and immersive cultural experiences. Friday began with storytelling on the cultural interpretation bus rides en route to Manitoulin, led by Elder Tim McGregor and Craig Fox. At the M’Chigeeng Community Complex, Kenjgewin Teg Early Learning Team Member Peggy Simon and M’Chigeeng First Nation Councillor Kim Aelick welcomed participants to the community.
Participants had the opportunity to visit both the M’Chigeeng Binoojiinh Gamgoonhs Daycare Centre and the Maamwe Kendaasing Daycare Centre in Whitefish River First Nation (WRFN) during their time on the Island. At the Maamwe Kendaasing Daycare Centre, participants toured a Forest School site and the local childcare centre.
The gathering concluded with WRFN Councillor Jeff McGregor offering closing remarks, a final prayer from Elder Tim McGregor, and a closing drum song from Craig Fox.
“It was an honour to welcome the participants to the All-Nations Childcare Gathering, where the spirit of collaboration and passion for Anishinaabemowin in early learning was evident,” said MMSLCA Early Years Coordinator Melanie Francis. “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed speakers who shared their wealth of knowledge, and also to recognize our heroes behind the scenes, the individuals who transformed this vision into a beautiful reality. It was a gathering of passionate souls who have devoted their lives and careers to this work for professionals, students, children, and families. It fills my heart with warmth to see so many come together, united in our shared vision. Chi-Miigwech to you all, and we look forward to our continued journey together.”
This year’s gathering was a celebration of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and a collective commitment to nurturing Indigenous children through culture, community, and language.
“By weaving together the teachings of our ancestors with the innovations of today, we are creating something truly powerful,” concluded Dr. Roy. “An education system and educators in those systems that reflects, respects, and revitalizes the identities of our children.”
For information about MMSLCA or Kenjgewin Teg programs, please visit kenjgewinteg.ca.
Kenjgewin Teg is situated on the picturesque Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) in Northern Ontario. Kenjgewin Teg remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence in teaching and learning. Grounded in the rich history, ancestral knowledge, stories, and traditional teachings of the land, Kenjgewin Teg is dedicated to nurturing students’ identities and sharing the richness of Anishinabek language (Anishinaabemowin), culture, and tradition with the world. Kenjgewin Teg is one of nine Indigenous Institutes in Ontario recognized under the Indigenous Institutes Act of 2017. In January 2022, Kenjgewin Teg was declared an accredited Indigenous Institute in Ontario by the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council (IAESC).
The Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All offers professional development and promotes early learning opportunities for children, families, staff, educators, and early years educators who would like to ensure culturally responsive revitalization, pedagogy, and practices.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Robin Anderson
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Robinanderson@kenjgewinteg.ca
705-370-4342 ext 214