The 2020 Diné Early Childhood Summit will focus on practices that address early Diné cultural teachings, early childhood development and the prevention of intergenerational transmission of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Attendees will gain knowledge in addressing early childhood development needs and ideas for addressing ACEs to build resilience within their own communities across the Navajo Nation, especially during this challenging time.
COVID-19 has changed life in many ways for many people. Our children remain resilient as their development, growth and learning has not paused during this stressful time. Supporting children and their families is as important as ever. Panelists include early childhood stakeholders from Navajo Head Start, Chinle Unified School District Pre-Kindergarten, Growing In Beauty and the Tuba City Regional Health Care Center Pediatric Clinic. They will discuss how early educators, early interventionists and health care providers have adjusted and are continuing to provide services to young children and families across the Navajo Nation during the pandemic.
Dr. Vining and Ms. King will present on the "Strategies to Support the Well-Being of Navajo Children through Uncertain Times" during her session. This session will address western and Dine’ perspectives in understanding the well-being of Navajo children including children with developmental disabilities. The presenters will provide strategies that families can implement to support their children with developmental needs during this challenging time.
Ms. McCabe will provide the "Early Childhood Everyday" training where attendees will learn how to effectively spread the word and be a champion for early childhood in their communities.
Radmilla Cody is of the Tł’ááshchí’í (Red Bottom People) clan and is born for the Naahiłii (African-Americans). Radmilla is a GRAMMY Nominee, NPR’s 50 Great Voices, multiple Native American Music Awards Nominee, international performer, a former Miss Navajo Nation, and the founder of the “Strong Spirit: Life is Beautiful not Abusive” campaign which brings awareness to teen dating violence. Her music and advocacy work has been a form of resistance against multiple colonial forces such as patriarchy, anti-blackness and anti-indigeneity. Radmilla was awarded the “Black History Makers Award 2012” from Initiative Radio and was selected as the first Native American awards presenter at the 55th GRAMMY Pre- Telecast Awards Ceremony.
Ms. Cody will give the Keynote Address at this year's 2020 Virtual Diné Early Childhood Summit.
Dr. Clancey will present "The Factors Affecting Brain Growth and Development." In this session, we will discuss how different factors promote or inhibit health brain development. The objectives include identifying factors that affect brain growth and development, understanding the effect of stress on brain growth and development and learning about the 5 R's for supporting health brain growth and development.
Mr. Pooley will present on "Indigenous Fatherhood" during his session. "Indigenous Fatherhood" provides an overview of the Fatherhood is Sacred course that strengthens families by responsibly involving fathers in the lives of their children, families, communities and partnering with mothers to provide happy and safe families.
Mutual aid entails what’s often called “solidarity not charity," and it embodies a spirit of empathy, generosity, and dignity. When the Navajo Nation was severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, grassroots mutual aid groups and Navajo Nation departments were determined in their organizing efforts to supply Diné families affected by COVID-19 with food, drinking water, hand washing stations and care packages. In order to successfully foster healthy development for young children, a basic level of needs must be met. Mutual Aid response has helped to meet those needs since March 2020. The panel will discuss how mutual aid groups are guided through the cultural practice of K’é (kinship) as well as their efforts, experiences and the opportunities to expand their work serving Diné families post COVID-19.