BRE Event Recap: Roots and Wings – Cultivating Courage and Uplifting Tribal Child Care
Date: September 2024
Location: Embassy Suites Downtown Portland
Hosted by: National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA)
Honoring Culture, Inspiring Leadership
In September 2024, the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) hosted its biennial conference, Roots and Wings: Cultivating Courage and Uplifting Tribal Child Care, in the heart of Portland, Oregon. The event gathered Tribal child care professionals from across the nation to share knowledge, foster leadership, and build resilient networks all with a unified goal: to uplift the well-being of Native children and families.
A Venue Steeped in Cultural Significance
Set against the historic charm of the Embassy Suites Downtown Portland, the venue offered more than elegance it carried deep significance. Choosing this location was a deliberate nod to Portland’s rich Indigenous heritage. The city sits on the ancestral lands of the Multnomah, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin Kalapuya, Molalla, and many other Tribes.
This setting created a powerful and fitting backdrop for conversations centered on cultural preservation, community resilience, and generational healing. It grounded the forum in a sense of place, reminding us that honoring the past is essential to building a more just and sustainable future.
Embracing Orange: A Day of Remembrance
A particularly moving moment during the forum was the observance of Indian Boarding School Remembrance Day, when attendees donned orange t-shirts in solidarity and remembrance. The color orange holds deep meaning, rooted in the story of Phyllis Webstad, a Northern Secwepemc (Shuswap) woman. At six years old, Phyllis wore a new orange shirt gifted by her grandmother on her first day at a residential school—only to have it taken away upon arrival. Her story became the foundation for Orange Shirt Day, observed each year on September 30, as a symbol of the culture, freedom, and self-worth taken from Indigenous children through generations of assimilationist policies.
The sea of orange at the forum served not only as a tribute to those who endured the trauma of boarding schools, but also as a powerful call to remember, to heal, and to uphold the cultural identities of future generations.
“Orange Shirt Day is a day for survivors to be reaffirmed that they matter, and so do those that have been affected. Every child matters.”
Conference Highlights
The event featured a series of dynamic workshops and insightful panel discussions led by experts in Tribal child care and early learning. Sessions focused on weaving cultural traditions into early childhood education, reinforcing the importance of identity, language, and heritage in shaping strong foundations for lifelong success.
Participants explored innovative strategies for integrating cultural values into daily practices, emphasizing the role of early education in nurturing a strong sense of belonging. Pre-conference trainings, such as "Designing for the Future: Culturally Resonant Early Education" hosted by Ashley McGraw Architects, provided attendees with practical tools for creating learning environments that honor and reflect Tribal values in meaningful, lasting ways.
A Transformative Journey
"Roots and Wings" was more than a conference; it was a transformative journey of healing, growth, and empowerment. By embracing their roots and extending their wings, Tribal child care professionals reaffirmed their commitment to guiding children toward a future filled with promise and possibility. The collective spirit of the conference underscored the resilience and dedication of those devoted to uplifting Tribal communities through culturally grounded child care practices.
As we reflect on this inspiring gathering, we are reminded that with roots firmly planted and wings outstretched, anything is possible.
Tahirah Bailey Reed; CEO & Principal Event Manager