The 2025 All Nations Childcare Gathering, hosted by Kenjgewin Teg’s Manitoulin and Mnidoo Mnising Sharing and Learning Centre for All, brought together early learning educators for three days of learning, inspiration, and celebration.
The event was held July 16 and 17 in Sudbury and July 18 on Manitoulin Island.
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, ‘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.’
Thursday’s keynote on self-care for educators and caregivers was led by Indigenous Medicine Woman Asha Frost.
The day concluded with a closing prayer by Elders Gloria Oshkabewisens-McGregor & 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 on the 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 also had the opportunity to visit day care centres in M’Chigeeng and Whitefish River First Nation during their time on the Island.
For information about MMSLCA or Kenjgewin Teg programs, please visit www.kenjgewinteg.ca
