Honoring Sovereignty: Understanding the Roots of Relationship

This foundational session explores the historical and legal foundations of Tribal sovereignty, helping participants understand Native Nations as distinct governments. Through storytelling and reflection, we’ll examine how federal Indian policy, the boarding school legacy, and systemic inequities continue to shape Native families and early childhood systems today. Participants will gain a deeper awareness of how history informs current realities and how this understanding can guide more respectful, effective collaboration with Native communities.

This webinar is offered through the Alliance for Early Success' Native Communities Learning Project: We Are Still Here, in partnership with Returning Light Consulting, Tara Manthey (Osage Nation) and Stephanie Cote (Anishinaabe), and an advisory committee of Alliance grantees with Native heritage. This effort is intended to address knowledge gaps within our organization and the Alliance network about Native history, governance, culture, and community. The Native Communities Learning Project aims to build a shared foundational cultural understanding to support our capacity as advocates to cultivate authentic relationships with Native leaders and communities.