“Just Playing?” The Sacred Work of Childhood

At the 51st Annual Conference of the Inter Tribal Council of Nevada—Advancing Unity Among Nevada’s Tribal Nations—we had the honor of hearing something that stayed with us long after the sessions of the day ended. During a welcome dinner for Tribal Leaders and ITCN Programs, ITCN’s Head Start department shared a powerful poem that moved the entire room and reminded us why we do this work.

The poem, “Just Playing” by Anita Wadley, beautifully captures the depth of learning that

happens through play—something far too often dismissed as unimportant or trivial.

“When I’m building in the block room, please don’t say I’m “Just Playing.”

For, you see, I’m learning as I play about balance and shapes.

Who knows, I may be an architect someday…”

At NICCA, we know play isn’t a break from learning—it is the learning. Whether a child is pretending to cook, stacking blocks, caring for a doll, or telling a story, they’re gaining lifelong skills: creativity, problem-solving, emotional development, and cultural connection.

In Tribal child care programs, play is also where traditions are passed on. Through drumming, dancing, cooking traditional foods, and speaking Native languages, play becomes a form of cultural preservation. These early experiences help children grow strong in both identity and knowledge.

“When you asked me what I’ve done at school today, and I say “I just played,”

please don’t misunderstand me. For, you see, I’m learning as I play;

I’m learning to enjoy and be successful in my work; I’m preparing for tomorrow.”

We’re deeply grateful to the ITCN Head Start team for sharing this poem with us and for reminding us all that “just playing” is never just anything. It’s how Native children grow into the teachers, caregivers, leaders, and culture keepers of tomorrow.

👉 Read the full poem here