Acknowledgements
The creation of this guide was only possible because of the support of many. We gratefully acknowledge their generous contributions.
‘We’ who created this guide
As multi-generational settler women, we are shaped by our diverse cultural, social, and professional backgrounds, including those of social workers, parents, racialized women, and Francophone women. This diversity enriches our collective understanding and commitment to creating a resource that honours and reflects the complexities of child care in our communities. We recognize the importance of our positionality in this work, acknowledging the privilege, histories, and experiences we each carry. We strive to approach our contributions with humility, respect, and a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive practices in early learning and child care.
Territorial Acknowledgement
We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty Six and Treaty Seven territories and the Métis homeland – the travelling route and gathering place for many Indigenous peoples. This includes the Nehiyaw, Denesųłıné, Nakota Sioux, Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Siksikaitsitapi, comprised of the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani First Nations; the Tsuut’ina First Nation; and the Îyârhe Nakoda, including the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations. We also acknowledge the Métis and Inuit who have lived on and cared for these lands. We recognize this land as an act of reconciliation and express our gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.
Indigenous Wisdom & Knowledge
We gratefully acknowledge the wisdom we received through relationships and the ongoing work by Indigenous Nations within their own communities. The culmination of this wisdom expanded our understanding of the vital role of culture and traditional knowledge in supporting Indigenous led child care for past, present, and future generations. The Spark Guide reflects our ongoing commitment to respecting the inherent rights of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit to self-determination, including in the delivery of distinction-based early learning and child care across Turtle Island.
Advisors, Thought Leaders & Key Contributors
We extend our sincerest gratitude to the members of our advisory groups who generously shared their invaluable knowledge, experience, stories, and feedback. The willingness of each advisor to engage in meaningful and sometimes challenging discussions is deeply appreciated. In addition, we thank everyone who enlivened the Spark Guide through their participation in interviews, conversations, and sharing of space. We were inspired by their passion, expertise, and insights which enriched the guide. Thank you for being part of this important journey.
It would not have been possible to create this guide without the support of many, including our design partners at Sonder Creative, our French translator Nicole Giguère, our storyteller Nwamaka Amadike, and our editorial team of Katy Moore, Krystal Brass, and Troy Rhoades. Additionally, we extend our appreciation to Noelle Chuks-Eboka and Maxine Myre for their contributions during the early phases of this work.
Finally, we thank our wonderful models – educators, leaders, and programs – that provided their time, reflections, and smiles. Additionally, thank you to Nature’s Wanderers and the Intercultural Child and Family Centre who graciously welcomed us into their early learning and child care programs.