A new report developed by tribal leaders, early childhood professionals, parents, and advocates outlines a national agenda for strengthening early childhood systems in Native communities. The report, A National Agenda for Tribal Early Childhood Development in Practice: Prioritizing Tribal Leadership in Early Childhood Systems, emerged from the 2025 Native Nations Honorary Culture Shaping Futures for Native Children conference, where representatives from 42 tribal nations and organizations gathered to identify priorities for Native children and families.
The report highlights challenges facing Native communities, including poverty, workforce shortages, funding inequities and limited services for Native families living away from tribal lands. It also argues that early childhood programs are critical not only for child development, but also for preserving language, culture and tribal sovereignty.
During a recent episode of Native Bidaské, host Levi Rickert spoke with Linda Smith, president of the Child Care Trust and a longtime national early childhood policy leader, and Barb Faber, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and a citizen of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation. Faber spent more than three decades working in tribal early childhood systems. Together, they discussed the report’s findings and recommendations for tribal, state and federal leaders.
Q: What was the goal of bringing tribal leaders and early childhood professionals together for the conference?
Smith: The goal was to bring experts from across Indian Country together to discuss the future of early childhood and identify ways to better support Native children. Participants included tribal leaders, parents, elders, Head Start staff, child care providers, educators and home-visiting professionals. The group worked to develop a shared agenda and identify common priorities for addressing challenges facing Native families.
Faber: People came with different experiences and perspectives, but there was broad agreement on the importance of early childhood. Through those discussions, participants identified several priority areas and developed a shared vision. The report is intended to help tribal leaders understand early childhood systems and advocate for them within their own communities and when working with states, federal agencies and philanthropic organizations.
Q: One issue highlighted in the report is the large number of Native citizens living away from tribal lands. Why is that important?
Smith: Many people are surprised by the number of Native Americans living outside reservation boundaries. Regardless of the exact figures, a significant share of Native families live in urban and rural communities away from tribal lands. Participants recognized the need to support those families while helping children maintain connections to culture, identity and community.
Faber: In many urban areas, there are very few Native-operated early childhood programs compared to the size of the Native population. At the same time, federal funding often cannot be used beyond designated service areas surrounding reservations. That leaves many Native families with limited access to culturally relevant services.
Watch the full episode here.
Q: How does the report define early childhood differently from traditional child care or education models?
Faber: Tribal early childhood is about more than child care. It includes language, culture, community and family. Strong tribal child care systems support local economies because parents need reliable care in order to work. At the same time, tribes can design programs that reflect their own values and traditions.
Many Native children start school facing significant disadvantages. Early childhood programs can help address those gaps while strengthening cultural identity. The first years of a child’s life are critical to long-term development.
Smith: One of the most important themes from the conference was the role of language, culture, land and identity in a child’s development. Participants emphasized that these elements are not separate from early childhood education. They are central to children’s well-being and their connection to the community.
Faber: The report includes a statement that tribal early childhood helps restore what was taken. Participants discussed the long-term impacts of boarding schools and historical trauma. Early childhood programs offer tribes an opportunity to rebuild language and cultural connections for future generations.
Q: What role should tribal governments play in strengthening early childhood systems?
Faber: Tribal leaders play a critical role. We encourage tribal governments to prioritize early childhood and actively engage with local programs. That includes supporting the workforce, improving retention, promoting language and culture initiatives, and ensuring programs have the resources they need.
The report also provides recommendations that tribal leaders can use when working with state and federal partners. The goal is not for every tribal leader to become an early childhood expert, but to provide them with information to guide decision-making.
Watch the full episode here.
