Finding Our People: Educators Share Their Advocacy and Leadership Journeys
In Native communities, child care is more than a service—it’s a vital connection to culture, community, and future generations. For those who lead this work, it’s a calling that goes beyond supporting children’s development; it’s about embedding Native history, values, and traditions into the very fabric of early education.
We (the authors) are dedicated leaders in Tribal early childhood development who work to foster environments where Native children, families, and communities can thrive. From building culturally grounded programs to advocating for policies that honor Tribal identity, we are united by a shared vision to uplift the Native values, wisdom, and resilience that define our communities. Each of our paths reflects a commitment to ensuring Native children grow up proud of who they are, empowered by where they come from, and prepared to carry forward their heritage into the future.
Curious about how NICCA is shaping a brighter future for Native children, families, and communities? Discover their culturally grounded programs, advocacy efforts, and the stories of resilience and pride that drive their mission. Visit www.nicca.us to see the impact being made and learn how you can join in empowering the next generation.
Norman Running Jr.
In my role as an administrative assistant with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program, I am committed to fostering a nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of our Native children, their families, and our communities. Our program emphasizes the importance of holistic development, integrating cultural teachings and traditional practices into our daily operations.
We understand that a strong foundation in culture enhances the self-esteem and identity of our children. Our activities often incorporate storytelling, traditional crafts, and language lessons, allowing children to engage with their heritage meaningfully. By doing so, we not only preserve our cultural narratives but also instill pride in our young ones, encouraging them to carry these traditions into the future.
Furthermore, we prioritize family involvement, recognizing that parents and guardians are pivotal in a child’s development. Our community outreach and family engagement events aim to strengthen these bonds, equipping families with resources and knowledge to support their children’s growth. We provide parenting classes that incorporate traditional teachings and practices, promoting a holistic approach to child-rearing that aligns with our cultural values.
Collaboration with local elders and cultural leaders through our Lakota Language Preservation Project is another cornerstone of our program. By involving them in our initiatives, we create a bridge between generations, allowing children to learn from the wisdom of their ancestors while also fostering respect and understanding of our community’s history. These relationships not only enrich our programs but also empower our children by providing role models who exemplify strength, resilience, and cultural pride.
Finally, we are deeply committed to creating safe spaces for all families. Our new facility will enable us to expand our services, providing more resources and support to our community. These safe spaces are designed to be welcoming and inclusive, offering families a place where they can connect, share experiences, and access vital services.
My work is dedicated to empowering Native children and their families through cultural integration, community involvement, and safe, supportive environments. By honoring our traditions and fostering strong family connections, we aim to cultivate a generation of confident, culturally rooted individuals ready to lead our communities into the future.
Sarah Sand
My work as an educator for our local tribes centers around advocating for Native children and their families to ensure they have the support, resources, and representation they need to succeed. I actively participate in individualized education meetings, advocating for fair treatment and equitable access to resources so that our students have the same opportunities as their non-Native peers. By representing our students’ interests on local school boards, I work to make sure that Native voices are heard, ensuring that policies and practices are inclusive and respectful of our communities.
Through my involvement with the Child Care Development Fund, I am able to make a significant impact by creating culturally sensitive child care programs. These programs not only provide a safe, nurturing environment for our children but also support families by helping cover the cost of child care. This enables families to pursue opportunities for self-improvement, such as education or employment, while knowing their children are being cared for in a culturally appropriate setting. Supporting families in this way contributes to their long-term stability and well-being, which in turn strengthens our entire community.
As a library director, I work to ensure that our library offers culturally relevant materials, such as books and films, that reflect our heritage and traditions. By cultivating a love of learning and a sense of pride in their culture, I aim to inspire our children to embrace education while maintaining a strong connection to their identity. The library becomes a resource for knowledge and cultural preservation, reinforcing the importance of both academic growth and cultural awareness in our children’s lives.
Overall, my work is driven by the goal of uplifting Native children, their families, and our communities. Whether through direct advocacy in education, creating culturally relevant child care programs, fostering a love of learning through our library, or shaping national policy, I am committed to ensuring that our children have the support they need to thrive while remaining connected to their culture and traditions. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the long-term growth, development, and resilience of our people.
Jennifer Rackliff
My work centers on creating spaces that nurture the growth, development, and cultural identity of Native children while also uplifting their families and communities. At its core, this work is about making sure each child has a place where they feel valued and encouraged to explore who they are. Through culturally grounded programs, we’re helping Native children feel seen and empowered to grow up fully connected to their heritage.
For Native families, balancing today’s world with traditional practices can be challenging. By working with other Native leaders, I aim to support families in nurturing their children’s mental, emotional, and cultural well-being. We offer resources, from early childhood professional training to policy advocacy, that address the unique needs of our communities.
One of the best parts of my work is connecting with others who share this mission. Through NICCA, we’re building a network of Native early childhood professionals and community leaders who offer guidance, resources, and solidarity. This support network not only helps early childhood professionals deliver high-quality care but also reminds them that they’re not alone in this work.
I’m also passionate about advocating for culturally relevant standards in early childhood. Native children deserve spaces where their languages, traditions, and histories are celebrated. When we weave cultural practices into early childhood education, we create a powerful foundation for them to embrace who they are and carry those teachings forward.
This mission extends beyond families; it strengthens our entire community, building collective pride in who we are. When we advocate for Indigenous-led programs, we’re not just making an impact today—we’re creating sustainable change that will support generations to come. Seeing this ripple effect across our communities is deeply fulfilling.
Ultimately, my work is about helping Native children thrive—intellectually curious, emotionally strong, and deeply rooted in their identities. By supporting them in this way, we’re building a future where our culture continues to flourish, our communities grow stronger, and our children feel ready to navigate the world while honoring their heritage.
Norman Running Jr. is the administrative assistant of Child Care Services, Rosebud Sioux Tribe. He is the vice chair of the National Indian Child Care Association Board of Directors.
Sarah Sand is the education, child care, and library services director of Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria. She is a member of the board of the National Indian Child Care Association and of the Tribal Child Care Association of California.
Jennifer Rackliff is the executive director of the National Indian Child Care Association.