#United States #Denver #early childhood #Community Engagement #Indigenous Learning

The Indigenous Early Learning Collaborative Institute Opens Its Doors

The Indigenous Early Learning Collaborative (IELC) Institute, under the guidance of the First Light Education Project based in Denver, Colorado, and the Brazelton Touchpoints Center in Boston, Massachusetts, has made significant strides in promoting early learning among Indigenous communities. Recently, they announced the launch of two open-access dialogues designed to facilitate discussions and share insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by these communities.

Bringing Attention to Indigenous Early Learning

In May 2024, the IELC Institute made waves in the academic community with the publication of a special issue of the American Indian Culture and Research Journal (AICRJ) focused on Community-Based Inquiry (CBI). This edition highlights the potential for Indigenous communities to lead their learning narratives and emphasizes how critical it is to provide those communities with the support and space to ask their own questions and derive meaning from their experiences.

Subsequently, in November 2024, the IELC Institute convened a symposium at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) that brought together thought leaders and authors who discussed the impact and future of Indigenous early learning practices. These dialogues not only shed light on Indigenous perspectives but also explored interdisciplinary collaboration, which is vital in creating holistic approaches tailored for Native communities.

Upcoming Dialogues to Engage the Community

One of the most anticipated events is the Community of Practice in Indigenous Early Learning (CoPIEL) Dialogue Series. On March 28, 2025, at 2 PM Central Time, the IELC Institute will host a free webinar titled Wicoie Nandagikendan: Revitalizing Community, Our Journey Story. This session will spotlight the work of the Wicoie Nandagikendan, a Dakota and Ojibwe language immersion initiative in Minneapolis. The webinar will delve into how the program employs CBI to enhance their decision-making processes, benefit children and families, and rejuvenate vital language and cultural practices.

Dr. Tarajean Yazzie-Mintz, the Director of the IELC Institute, emphasizes the transformative power of dialogue by stating, "Dialogue is a powerful, effective, and Indigenous way to share knowledge and discover insights. We invite parents, families, educators, and all those interested in Indigenous early learning to join these free, open-access dialogues". This initiative aims to broaden accessibility to vital knowledge and foster a more inclusive educational environment.

Dr. Joshua Sparrow, the Executive Director of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center, adds, "The IELC Institute is dedicated to expanding the pathways through which knowledge is shared globally. Our work presents essential insights for families, communities, and practitioners dedicated to advancing early childhood education within Indigenous networks."

Conclusion: An Invitation to Engage

Both the IELC Institute's dialogues and the special issue published in AICRJ represent crucial steps toward revitalizing Indigenous perspectives in early learning. They invite stakeholders from all sectors — parents, educators, and community members — to participate and contribute to this essential conversation. By fostering a collaborative approach, the IELC aims to uplift Indigenous voices and ensure that early childhood education is not only inclusive but empirically grounded in the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.

For more information about the IELC Institute or details on the upcoming dialogues, interested individuals can contact Dr. Ethan Yazzie-Mintz, Executive Director of the First Light Education Project, at [phone number]. Join us in this journey toward empowerment and partnership in Indigenous early learning!