February 27, 2025
Miranda Bernard, MK Early Childhood Education Consultant, had an opportunity to accompany 16 educators who work with our early learners from our MK communities to the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society Child Care Conference ~ We are one: Braiding Our Knowledge. This conference took place at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver, British Columbia from February 20 - 22, 2025.
This year, we came together with the theme of weaving diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and traditions into a collective whole. Braiding knowledge highlights the importance of inclusivity, collaboration, and respect for diversity, believing that through the interweaving of our different viewpoints, we can achieve a richer, more holistic understanding of the world.
As we gathered in the spirit of unity and shared learning, this conference continued to focus on strengthening Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC). Our sector plays a crucial role in the well-being of Indigenous children, nurturing their cultural heritage, and supporting resilient communities. Yet, as we know, we face many challenges – from navigating complex funding systems to addressing the needs of remote and isolated regions. This conference provided a space to confront these challenges head-on and work together towards solutions that uplift our children, families, educators, and communities.
All the educators had an opportunity to attend different sessions that were culturally relevant,there was a lot of learning and growth in the early years, and go on a Field Trip and visit a Language Nest in Squamish First Nation. They also had the opportunity to visit their Mother Bear Child Development Centre in Squamish.
It was an amazing conference despite experiencing an earthquake but truly inspiring in seeing our educators commitment, passion and dedication in improving the lives of our children and supporting our communities. It was beyond impactful for all the educators. This was the most rewarding and most impactful project in my role as an Early Childhood Education Consultant with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.
Elder Eugene’s quote at the opening ceremonies while holding a candle, “Children are like candle lights, bright and our future.”
TESTIMONIALS FROM THE EDUCATORS:
I'd like to share my experience with you - I recently went to the BC Early Childhood Education Conference in Vancouver and it was absolutely amazing. The workshops / keynote presentations, speakers were amazing and very educational.
Wela’liek Miranda for giving us this opportunity to attend one of the biggest conferences. - I was very proud when you were asked to be part of the witness ceremony of the opening and closing ceremonies where you were part of the 4 directions. It was an honored role where you represented the East. In your closing talk it made me very proud of the job that I am doing.
I know how hard Miranda worked to get us here - and how much dedication she put into it. It’s an honour to have Miranda represent Early Childhood Education.
Wela’lin
Selena Marshall
Eskasoni Daycare Director
I would like to Express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the conference in Vancouver. Workshops I attended were very informative.
In particular, the language nesting program was incredibly valuable. It has inspired me with ideas to revitalize our miʼkmaq language. I have a classroom that I can utilize, and I plan to seek out speakers and engaged staff members who are fluent in Mi’Kmaq. I am also considering ways to involve elders who speak our language in the classroom. Thank you again for this enriching experience.
Anita Doucette
Membertou Daycare
I just wanted to express my gratitude for giving me this opportunity to attend the conference. I have learned that we all have issues with our language. Going on the field trip gave me a great vision of how I want the Language nest to look like in my community.I also enjoyed seeing all the classrooms that have given me ideas of expanding my ECE center.
Wela'lin
Bridget Worthen
Head Start Teacher/Coordinator
Pictou Landing First Nation
As the conference is doing their opening remarks I was really proud and honored to be there. It was the first time that I witnessed the acknowledging of the four directions and inviting us to reflect on their unique teachings and the wisdom they bring to our lives and our work. As each person stood with where the groups came from. It made me see “Our People” as a group and not as individuals making everyone feel united.
It was a privilege to visit the Language Nest and I really didn’t know what that entailed until seeing it in person. We need a Language Nest in every community and make our communities join as one. The collaboration among the caregivers, educators, and families was inspiring. It highlighted the importance of community involvement in the language nest. I saw this firsthand how this joint effort created a sense of pride and responsibility toward preserving the language for future generations.
One of the speakers spoke about how, like a candle, each child possesses a unique flame which is their talents, dreams and their individual person of who they are. This flame can burn ever so brightly when given the right environment there. This can also be extinguished by neglect, criticism or lack of support. Let’s give these children love, hope and encouragement. Keep their flames shining bright.”
Lorena Tracey
Potlotek Head Start
Attending the BCACCS conference was a game-changer for me. The diverse range of speakers and insightful sessions provided actionable strategies that I'm already implementing to improve my performance. I particularly appreciated the academic opportunities, which I am currently enrolled in and working on the "Nurturing Childhoods through Indigenous ways of knowing" course offered by UBC. The conference also gave me great insight into the different approaches taken around licensing and how this can impact the services offered.”
Clive D Souza
AHSOR and Afterschool Program Coordinator
Glooscap First Nation
I am writing in regard to my recent trip to Vancouver for the BCACCS Provincial Conference. I was honored to have been invited by Miranda Bernard MK to attend this conference. After arriving at the hotel and settling in I attended many workshops that were wonderfully orchestrated and provided much knowledge and insight to different aspects of life and life experiences from the different ways of life that they have all experienced.
The food was next to amazing, and the hospitality was so wonderful. New friendships were made from all the workshops, and the table discussions really brought everyone together and it was awesome to see the comparisons and contrast in different daycares from various geographical locations.
I was excited to sight see while there, however the highlight of my trip was definitely the earthquake, that will be a lasting memory!
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone who has made this trip possible. Miranda I appreciate everything that you have done and continue to do for the daycares. You give us a great incentive to come into work everyday, and that the lines of communication between you and the daycares are always open.
I hope that this support continues in the future and I cannot wait to see what’s next !
Wela’lin
Tammy MacEachern
BA, Early Childhood Educator
Paqtnkek First Nations Daycare Director
First of all thank you for the invitation for the conference in Vancouver. I really enjoyed the whole conference itself but the best part for me was the visit to the language nest. I have never heard about a language nest before. I was very impressed with the program. This trip to Vancouver was very educational for me as an educator. Lots of firsts for me on this trip. Also my first time in Vancouver, first time hearing and seeing a language nest, first time experiencing an earthquake, and first time having major jet lag but would go again.
Thank you again for this wonderful experience
Wela’lin
Andrea Simon, Teacher
Wagmatcook First Nation
BCACCS Annual Conference....Was a great event packed with so much knowledge and wonderful speakers. The conference provided us with a chance to network and connect with other communities, as well as, connect with Elders. The Elders offered wonderful sessions and shared their knowledge and teachings with us. Visiting the centers allowed us to see how other communities are working so hard to bring back their language and their culture through ceremonies, crafts, land based activities and Elder involvement. Overall it was a wonderful experience and very encouraging.
Lyn Sack
Sipekne’katik First Nation
There was a lot of knowledge that was gained at the conference. I felt as an Early Childhood Educator we all share a common interest and that is we all want to make a difference in the early years. But I also have a chance to see what people are doing and suggest ways of improving their teaching techniques.
It was also nice to talk with other Early Childhood Educators and we all ended up learning from each other.
I really loved when elders would say we need to prioritize language in the early years.
Like one elder said “Children are like candlelight bright and they are our future.”
With that being said I’m planning to open up my own language nest in my community.
Thank you MK for this opportunity to learn with all the educators and elders.
Megan “Josie” Bernard
Waycobah First Nation
I, Wendy Pedoniquott, of Sipekne’katik Daycare enjoyed the Conference very much! The Language aspect of it was an eye-opener, as a daycare manager, it made us more aware of the importance of revitalizing our Mi'kmaq Language in the early years. I came home with a lot of new ideas to incorporate in the daycare setting. I will be displaying pictures with the Mi’kmaq spelling instead of the English language. I deleted all English apps from our tablets, and gave the staff a list of Mi'kmaq Videos to watch.
The other awesome change I made was to our outdoor time. The importance of taking our children outdoors daily to align more with the land-based teachings.
My staff was using the weather not to go outside, but as I have learned, as long as the children are properly clothed there is no reason for us to stay indoors. I will be reinforcing outdoor play everyday!
I was impressed with the lay-out of the Squamish Head Start center, which gave me insights of how the children can be more efficient in manipulating their environment depending on where things are in the room. I will be re-arranging my classrooms.
I loved the cedar bracelets workshop I was in, it reminded me of my skills in Basket and wooden flower making I haven't used in a long while. I will be trying to make activities that the children can see and feel of the raw materials that we have in our community.
Other than the traveling part of the trip, I was totally happy with the experience and knowledge I acquired.
Much Gratitude,
Wendy Pedoniquott
Sipekne'katik
Little Eagles Daycare
Being invited to the BCACCS was an absolute honor and I am still charged up with inspiration after coming home four days later. Getting to see another Language Nest felt like a dream and even made me emotional and the Mother Bear trip was just as amazing. I loved seeing the cultural pride that all of the presentations had when speaking of their educational initiatives in the community. I would like to thank Miranda and MK for the amazing opportunity. Wela'lioq!
Jasmine Ma’sl
Potlotek First Nation
Ntisinen - Mi’kmaw Language Nest
Just want to say the conference was very organized and I loved how it wasn't "indian time". Everything started on time if not earlier. Workshops, guest speakers, BCACCS staff, the food, vendors, etc, were all amazing. My favorite part was going on the field trip to Squamish to check out their language nest and day care, they were both so inspiring and I couldn't wait to go back to work on that Monday to do some changes in my classroom and to share with my colleagues the knowledge I've gotten from this experience and the whole conference. I am very fortunate that I was able to attend this conference and hope to attend more in the future. I would like to thank MK and Miranda for this opportunity to go to Vancouver.
Chandelle Paul
ECE
Eskasoni First Nation
Eskasoni Ksite’taqnk Day Care
Attending the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society (BCACCS) annual conference was filled with teachings, culture, knowledge exchange, and practical use that can be implemented in Early Learning and Child Care centres, and governance alike. I had the opportunity to attend sessions on implementing the IELCC framework, managing large capital projects on and off reserve, Understanding First Nations Rights and Early Learning: Exploring Jurisdiction, Governance, and more.
To give the opportunity for educators throughout Nova Scotia to attend this conference was an amazing opportunity for learning, growth, impact and implementation. These educators will bring this knowledge back home and share some of the things they’ve learned and give the children the opportunity to have more access to language, culture, and quality programs.
Jenna Marr
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Governance Project Manager
Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq
I recently attended the BCACCS ECE conference in Vancouver, and it exceeded my expectations! The sessions were led by passionate educators and experts in the field , who shared innovative teachings, strategies and current research on Early Learning. I particularly enjoyed the interactive pieces of the conference and knowledge exchanges. Networking opportunities were abundant and I was able to connect with fellow educators from various parts of Nova Scotia and Canada wide, exchanging ideas, resources and knowledge that can be applied to the work I do. It also allowed me to gain further understanding of Early Learning in First Nation communities. I left the conference feeling rejuvenated and my heart full. Overall, the conference was a fantastic investment in my professional development. It reaffirmed my commitment to providing support to the communities I work with and to further enhance the nurturing, stimulating learning environment for children in Mi’kma’ki.”
Denise Hodgson
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Governance Project Manager
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
