March 9, 2026
Story submitted by Miranda Bernard, ECE
I recently had the opportunity to take a group of educators to an Indigenous child care conference in Vancouver, BC and it was incredibly rewarding to witness their experience. What stood out most was not only the professional learning that took place, but the deep sense of pride, reflection, and renewed purpose that emerged throughout the conference.
Our educators fully embraced the teachings, workshops, and discussions. They gained a deeper understanding of how essential it is to intentionally embed culture, language, and land-based learning into their daily practice. The conference reinforced that Mi’kmaw ways of knowing are not enhancements to programming — they are foundational to who we are and how our children learn best.
There was a visible shift in perspective. Educators reflected on the importance of creating learning environments that honour identity, community, and connection to land. They spoke about bringing teachings back to their centres, strengthening relationships with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, and ensuring that children see themselves, their families, and their culture reflected in their early learning spaces.
Experiences like this go beyond professional development. They build confidence, strengthen cultural identity among educators, and inspire meaningful change in practice. When educators feel grounded in culture and supported in their learning journey, children benefit through richer, more authentic, and culturally rooted early childhood environments.
It was truly inspiring to see our educators return feeling motivated, empowered, and proud of the important role they play in carrying culture forward in our communities.
Testimonials
Crystal Martell
ECE ~ Potlotek Daycare
My name is Crystal Martell, and I am from Potlotek First Nation in Eastern Nova Scotia. I feel truly blessed and grateful to have had the opportunity to travel across Canada to attend the Early Childhood Educators of BC Conference in Vancouver. A huge thank you to Miranda Bernard from Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey for making this experience possible.
The conference brought together many inspiring speakers and meaningful workshops that expanded my understanding of early childhood education. I was especially moved by how deeply culture and language are embedded within the programs I learned about, and all around the area. It was beautiful to witness how welcoming, kind, and supportive other Indigenous communities are, and how they uplift one another in the shared goal of revitalizing language and culture.
One workshop that deeply resonated with me was Songs and Stories for Little Ears and Big Hearts presented by Elder Sempulyan Stewart Gonzales a Squamish Nation member known for his work as a cultural and language teacher, spirit dancer and support worker. It reinforced the importance of sharing stories and teaching in our traditional languages during the early years. Our children absorb knowledge like sponges, and as educators, we are entrusted with helping to build the foundational stones for both the children and the families we serve each day. Through story, song, and language, we strengthen identity, belonging, and pride.
Throughout the conference, I saw the passion and dedication that educators bring to their work. Whether new to the field or experienced leaders, each individual demonstrated a commitment to putting children first, recognizing them as our future leaders. It reminded me that we all have a role to play in revitalizing, educating, teaching, learning, and sharing knowledge so we can grow together as one. When we work collectively, one spirit, one heart, we can achieve positive and healthy outcomes for our communities.
This experience affirmed that many of the ways I teach and share knowledge are strong, while also inspiring me to refine and strengthen my practice. I had the opportunity to connect with educators from various centers and learn about the important roles they play. I was also grateful to visit Mother Bear Childcare Centre in Vancouver and learn about their journey, program design, and environment. Seeing their space and hearing their story provided practical inspiration that I can thoughtfully weave into my own teaching style.
Attending this conference has been a meaningful part of my professional and personal learning journey as an Early Childhood Educator. It has strengthened my commitment to offering the highest quality learning experiences for the children and families in my own center. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone who is passionate about early childhood education and development. It is a powerful opportunity to gain perspective through another lens and grow both professionally and spiritually.
Wela'lioq ~Thank you.
Msit No’kmaq,
Abby Alex
Eskasoni Headstart
I am so grateful I was able to attend the BCACCS Conference in Vancouver. Being together with so many other educators who care deeply about children, families, and community was powerful and inspiring.
One of the most meaningful teachings I received was about Two Eyed Seeing. I learned that Two Eyed Seeing means looking at the world through one eye with the strengths of Indigenous ways of knowing and through the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledge. When we use both eyes together, we can support children and families in a more balanced and respectful way. This teaching reminded me that we do not have to choose one way over another. We can honor both perspectives. The conference also helped me reflect more deeply on my Indigenous culture. I was reminded of the importance of language, stories, ceremony, land, Elders, and community. When we work with Indigenous children, culture is not extra or used only sometimes. It is essential to identity, belonging, and healing.
I was especially moved by the teachings about Indigenous medicines and plants. Learning about traditional plant medicines showed me how connected healing is to the land. The medicines and plants are used for many different medical treatments, such as eczema, diabetes, rash, congestion, and many more. Medicines are not just physical remedies for sickness, they carry teachings, respect, and relationships. It reminded me that healing is spiritual and we have the ability and remedies and knowledge on our land to provide this for many generations. Another important takeaway for me was learning how to communicate with children using cultural practices. Children may express themselves through story, art, land-based activities, drumming, or time with Elders. When we create space for cultural practices, children feel safer and more understood. We are not just talking to them.. we are listening in ways that honor who they are and where they come from.
Overall, the BCACCS Conference strengthened my commitment to walking alongside children and families with humility, respect, and openness. I left feeling encouraged to continue learning, to build relationships in a good way and to carry forward the teachings I received.
I am thankful for the experience and for everyone who shared their knowledge and stories so generously, I learned so much from different cultures, teachings used in classrooms, and also how to incorporate culture in my classroom more, the childcare centre we had our field trip at showed the importance of learning in a setting that is familiar for children. And they made the space feel welcoming and inviting for all people. Not just indigenous peoples, but for anyone who wants to learn. I am excited to bring back my knowledge now to my childcare centre, and in my classroom. It was a wonderful experience and opportunity that I will never forget.
Wela'lin ~Thank you
Kara Wallace
ECE
Paqtnkek Daycare
I had the opportunity through Miranda to be able to go to Vancouver for the BC Aboriginal Child Care Society conference , this was an inspiring and moving experience that I'm so honoured to have had the chance to go to. To be able to gather around like minded individuals who have a passion for children and enhancing their programs was so amazing. This experience allowed me to build connections with fellow educators from across Nova Scotia. I'm glad to have met these people and have developed friendships. The conference was incredible to be a part of the workshops. The keynote speakers were all moving and insightful to better myself as an educator and bring ideas back to my community. I was able to go visit Mother Bear Childcare facility, their establishment was so inspiring the ways they incorporate their culture and language. I’m looking forward to bringing some ideas back to enhance our facility. Overall this experience i’m so thankful and grateful for, BC aboriginal childcare society is such a wonderful organization that made this opportunity so moving and in the future i’m looking forward to going back.
Marlene Francis
Level 2 ECE Educator, Little Eagles Daycare
Sipekne’katik
From the conference in British Columbia I have had such an enlightening experience. I learned how the Squamish embrace their littles and enrich the teachings for the children. The keynote speaker on music Lyle was amazing especially how he had everyone's attention. I also took part in the HR workshop, that opened my eyes to so much, and to what needs to be changed. However I did take part in the photography and children workshop. That was not enlightening at all, I spoke to one of the staff there and she was beyond upset with the speaker Zane whereas he didn't do much until the last 10 minutes. Overall though it was amazing. The culture, the teachings and the networking was absolutely incredible
Wela’lin
Cheyenne Thomas Pictou Landing First Nation ECE Centre
Attending the BCACCS was an eye opening experience for me. Having a conference this big and everyone being there for the same reason was an incredible feeling. Seeing how they incorporate their language and culture was moving to me. At our centre we do incorporate it as well but I still feel like we could always do better.
This conference reinforced the importance of my role as an educator in my community. We hear all the time that the language is dying and that we need to learn it and keep it alive. Seeing how it is prioritized there was a reminder that I need to do my part too. Just because I wasn’t taught the language growing up doesn’t mean I need to be a non speaker. My students deserve the best and so does my daughter. If we don’t use the language as much as we can and actually try to learn it then why would our youth? They need to see their teachers and parents making a real effort to prioritize the language and culture.
I attended sessions that had a focus on speech, early language and sounds. We have a SLP in our school but we do not have one for our centre. My students don’t have access to this until primary. A lot of people in these sessions said they already use Moe The Mouse in their centres. I was able to see how easy it is to incorporate this teaching tool and how it will benefit our students. I will be bringing this forward to my director and explain how good it can be for our centre and especially for students who are still developing sounds and ones who can expand their vocabulary.
On our field trip we went to visit another centre up there. Walking in smelling the cedar, seeing the culture everywhere was a reminder to me that we need to be doing the same thing at my centre. Their classrooms were so inviting and calming. I want the same for mine. Their centre focused on themes each month that are a part of their culture. They had drums, cedar and paintings hung up on their walls.
I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity to attend this conference. This reinforced my role as an educator in my community. My plan going forward is to apply what I learned and go by the themes in our culture. I want more of a focus on the language in the classroom and I plan to seek out language classes. Including story telling, land based learning, and language is our responsibility and duty to our students. I want my students to feel proud of their identity and be connected to their culture.
Bridget Gloade - Language Coordinator
Millbrook First Nation
The following is a testimonial from Bridget Gloade for the BCACCS Conference held February 12- 14th ,2026.
I am beyond amazed and grateful with everything I have had the opportunity to experience during this conference. I am thankful to have been selected to be a part of this wonderful conference. As this was my very first conference experience, and in such a far away place, I was naturally nervous. Miranda was an amazing coordinator, I did not feel as nervous because of the effort put in on her part for the travel planning and keeping us all up to date of any changes, or reminders.
The conference itself was incredible! I am amazed at how strong the culture and language are in the BC territories. The conference committee was able to showcase their language and culture throughout the event, which was amazing. To see so many indigenous people from across Turtle Island come together, to learn how we can continue to show up for our upcoming generation, to help them carry on our language, songs, and traditions has filled my heart with so much joy and pride. I feel that this conference is just what I needed to feel the support and strength of indigenous people, to make connections, and to keep that flame burning bright. I am thankful to be able to be a part of this journey, a movement to reclaim and revitalize the language and culture of our people that was taken from so many and even forbidden. I left each session with so much joy and hope. I laughed, I shed tears, and I had a renewed sense of determination. I am looking forward to sharing my experiences and what I learned to my community.
I am forever grateful for this experience and opportunity.
Wela’lin Miranda for choosing me!
BCACCS- Raylene Nicholas - Pictou Landing First Nation Daycare
Attending the BC Child Care Conference was an incredibly valuable and inspiring experience. The conference brought together enthusiastic early childhood professionals from across the nation, creating a space filled with collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose. Surrounded by other educators nationwide was an amazing experience & created meaningful friendships with fellow educators from Mik‘maki who also attended.
The sessions were informative, practical, and deeply relevant to the evolving needs of children, families, and educators. I especially appreciated the focus on inclusive practices, educator well-being, and strengthening community partnerships. Each workshop provided strategies and insights that I can directly apply in my daily work. The sessions I had attended were related to my center & retained knowledge I can bring back into my community about R.I.S.E (routines, individualization, strategies, environment), What babies learn from their caregivers, Navigating Jordan’s Principle, Learning outside together (Etuaptmumk), Little voices & Strong Language, & the field trip to the Mother Bear Child Care Center. Beyond the learning opportunities, the conference offered meaningful networking experiences.
Connecting with other professionals allowed me to exchange ideas, reflect on best practices, and feel re-energized in my role. It was affirming to see so many resolute individuals committed to high-quality childcare and early learning across the nation.
Being surrounded by the culture has given me more motivation to surround my students with such things, not just bringing in more language incorporated teachings but to surround them with more culture & carry my culture within the way I carry myself.
Overall, the experience strengthened my professional knowledge, expanded my perspective, and renewed my motivation to continue advocating for excellence in childcare & the revitalization of our culture and language in more ways.
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and look forward to implementing what I learned within our team and community of Pictou Landing First Nation.
We Are One: Strengthening Our Circle - Desiree Francis-Joe
At the end of the school year of 2025, Miranda reached out and mentioned that I was one of the educators selected for the British Columbia Aboriginal Child Care Society’s annual conference. Given the opportunity, I immediately agreed, not knowing what to expect. The week leading up to the conference, I experienced a sense of nervousness and excitement.
Attending the BCACCS Conference gave me an experience of a lifetime as we learned so much about their Aboriginal cultures and how much they honour and cherish all of the children. I was in such awe to know how much the children mean to each one of them. There was a quote that stood out to me: “If we leave the children out of the circle, they will burn down the village to keep warm.” – thinking often about this quote, as an educator and a parent, I truly believe that wholeheartedly.
I had noticed a few similarities between the many indigenous cultures in attendance, especially when it comes to their children, drumming, prayers, and beliefs; one being the round-dance, and doing this with 600+ people was incredible and such an amazing opportunity to be a part of.
There were many training opportunities that we were able to choose from before the event, and the ones that I took part in have inspired me to bring these teachings back into my 2 classrooms. I tested the waters last year, about bringing “Traditional Tuesdays” into my classroom, but it was only once a week, and learning from the Mother Bear daycare that we’ve visited gave me the courage to bring it back full-time. Seeing that they invite elders into their center every three weeks to drum with the children, or even do it themselves as a part of circle time, I believe that as an educator, I can also incorporate this into my teachings as well!
I am coming back home with a heart full of knowledge, courage, and inspiration to bring our Mi’kmaq culture and language into my home and into my classroom full-time is a new set goal, and I cannot wait to see what happens in the future.
The opportunity that Miranda and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey have given me will be cherished and held close to my heart, and I am inspired to bring these teachings back into my classroom.
Trena Penny - Three Wishes Learning Centre
Annapolis Valley First Nation
I want to first start off with saying Thank you so much for this wonderful experience, this was such an honour to be included, not only was it my first time on a plane but my first time in Vancouver and it was such a beautiful experience.
Attending these seminars was so educational as well as an eye opener to the fact that we all come from different tribes but have the same goal in mind as well as the same strategies to achieve these goals and that we all face the same barriers from province to province.
One of the high lights of the Trip was the Visit to Mother Bear Childcare Centre. I loved their centre's design, and I got some ideas to improve my centre, such as the troth sinks in their toddler/ infant rooms, their half wall bathroom so teachers don’t have to leave the room, and their natural playground with the tree fort.
I have returned to work talking nonstop about my experience and the knowledge that I have gained. Thank you so much Miranda for this amazing opportunity and everything you do for our children.
Wela’lin
Angel Denny - Eskasoni Head Start
Kwe' Miranda,
First and foremost, I am incredibly grateful to have been invited to the 2026 BCACCS Annual Provincial Hybrid Conference, We Are One: Strengthening the circle in beautiful Vancouver.
This experience has been both inspiring and empowering. I have learned so much from fellow educators and have had the privilege of connecting with so many amazing people. I look forward to bringing the knowledge, ideas, and inspiration back to my community of Eskasoni.
As the Director at Eskasoni Head Start, I don’t always have the opportunity to be in the classrooms each day, but I truly valued the chance to listen, learn, and grow alongside educators from all over. Hearing their experiences, ideas, and passion was incredibly inspiring. I am excited to bring this knowledge back to my amazing ECEs here in our community. My hope is that what I’ve gained will help support and strengthen the important work they do every day as they continue shaping the minds and hearts of our little ones, the future of our community.
The session I enjoyed the most was Two-Spirit: A Bridge Between Worlds. It truly resonated with me on a personal level. I felt a deep connection to the message, especially because of my son, Charlie. Watching how he connected with the speaker and the experiences shared in that session meant so much to me. It was powerful, moving, and something I will carry with me both personally and professionally.
As both an educator and a parent, I have learned so much about truly accepting and supporting our little ones as they begin discovering who they are. They are just at the start of their journey, and it is our responsibility to create safe, loving, and inclusive spaces where they feel seen and valued. This experience reminded me that we are all connected and that we are one in the field of education. Our role is to nurture, guide, and support each child as they grow into their own selves.
Another session that resonated with me was called songs and stories for little ears and big hearts.
Songs and Stories with Little Ears and Big Hearts truly resonated with me as an educator. It was a beautiful reminder that children are always listening, always absorbing, and always feeling. Their little ears hear more than we realize, and their big hearts carry the messages we share. It reinforced for me how intentional we must be with our words, our stories, and the environments we create because what we offer them today helps shape who they become tomorrow. I love that our Mi’kmaq language through songs is incorporated into our daily lessons at the Eskasoni Head Start.
Wela’lin/ Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Levi McDonald -Millbrook Early Education Centre
Kwe, I am writing this testimonial to advocate for the Knowledge, support, and importance of this conference and the opportunity MK has so Kindly given me! This conference was one of the most educational conferences I have been to yet. Not only has it helped like minded educators as myself to become better educators it also helped me as a reconnecting indigenous person. I personally felt so rejuvenated and a sense of strong indigenous pride being there and today as I write this. I got to see so much new and great philosophy, so grateful for visiting the Mother Bear Child Care Centre. They personally displayed to me what I want to strive for all our centres here in Nova Scotia to be. If I were ever invited back to attend, I would be so grateful and honored to attend and represent Nova Scotia. Once again thank you MK for this opportunity!
Sarah Croston - Muin Sipu Learning Centre
Bear River First Nation
I am grateful for the opportunity I received to attend the BCACS annual conference and the experiences I had. Highlights for me included drumming and cultural performances and 2 of my workshops; "Nourishing your Spirit" and "Traditional Medicines and Staying well". Both were applicable to me as well as being thoughtfully shared by the presenters who were prepared and engaging. The location was good, the food was good and the atmosphere and energy were uplifting and insightful.
Wela'lin
Krystal Francis
Eskasoni Ksite’taqnk DayCare
Adapting Parent Child Mother Goose Through Truth And Roconcilations
I liked how they included every language aspect of every culture that was in the programs they offered, they included everybody in it. I also liked how they were active with how they engage with parents and children. They offered different programs for parents and toddlers, also had training for teachers, different resources for everyone, different supporters, our donors, books and cd’s.
Flora Ann Isadore - Wagmatcook First Nation
This is the first time I ever went to Vancouver, Miranda was a really big help and a great tour guide. She was very well organized, treated everyone equally, made sure nobody was left behind, and everyone felt included. We all loved her company, and we appreciate her making us feel comfortable. She eased our nerves for the trip, and made everything really easy. She made sure that I was never alone, and went out her way to include me, and take me where I needed to be. Thank you so much Miranda, I will never forget your hospitality and kindness!
Susy Denny - Mi’kmaw Language Strategy Coordinator
Attending the BCACCS Conference was truly an experience that I was given the opportunity to attend. I went into this conference not knowing what it is like to be an ECE but I saw and heard the passion from the educators from their stories and experiences through song, dance and play. With this, I began to think about how I can help our communities succeed in bringing language into these environments. I was inspired by the educators and guest speakers at this conference to create stories that can be passed down to the children, and be built on through all levels of education. The group trip to the Mother Bear Daycare was interesting and witnessing the educator’s assessment of the daycare of how and what they can take back home to their children was amazing. Their quick assessment of the rooms, and activities in how they can implement into their lessons was inspiring, specifically in the hands-on activities, land-based learning, and in table time. I’d like to thank Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, Miranda Bernard and Blaire Gould for giving me this opportunity to attend this conference.
Wela’lioq