Weaving Native Cultures into Curriculum: Standing Strong in Tradition, Learning, and Identity
Fri, Oct 17
|Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center
Join us at the 2025 Annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Anchorage Alaska to talk about how CCDF is a valuable tool for a brighter future.
Time & Location
Oct 17, 2025, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM AKDT
Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center, 600 W 7th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, USA
About the Event
Join us at the 2025 Annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention at the Dena'ina Civic & Convention Center in Anchorage, AK. The event will be held on October 16-18, 2025 and is free for the public.
This session will be on Friday, October 17, at 10:00 am in Room 3.
Overview:
This engaging session offers educators, curriculum developers, and child care providers a meaningful approach to honoring and integrating Native cultures into daily learning. With a focus on unity, strength, and cultural continuity, we will explore practical strategies for bringing Native stories, traditions, and objects into early childhood classrooms in ways that reflect the beauty and diversity of Tribal Nations.
Participants will be introduced to examples such as the cultural significance of stickball in Cherokee and Choctaw communities or the artistry of Native pottery and basket weaving—showing how traditional knowledge can enrich Creative Curriculum units like “Balls,” “Clothing,” and more. Each theme includes curated book lists, adaptable activities, and culturally grounded resources ready for classroom use.
Rooted in respect and representation, this session empowers educators to stand strong with Native children and families by creating inclusive, identity-affirming learning environments that celebrate heritage and build belonging from the start.
NICCA will be hosting three sessions at the 2025 Annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention:
October 16 at 10:00 am: The Future Is Ours: Advancing Tribal Early Childhood through CCDF (Learn more)
October 17 at 10:00 am: Weaving Native Cultures into Curriculum: Standing Strong in Tradition, Learning, and Identity (this event)
October 18 at 1:30 pm: The Future Is Ours: Advancing Tribal Early Childhood through CCDF (Learn more)
No registration is necessary for the Convention or our sessions. However, if you want to make sure to get the resources we share, RSVP with us!
Learn more about all the sessions NICCA will be hosting at AFN here.