See NICCA at the 2025 Annual Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Join us at the 2025 Annual Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 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.
NICCA will host three sessions:
Thursday, October 16: The Future Is Ours: Advancing Tribal Early Childhood through CCDF (10:00 am in Room 2 | RSVP with NICCA)
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.
Friday, October 17: Weaving Native Cultures into Curriculum: Standing Strong in Tradition, Learning, and Identity (10:00 am in Room 3 | RSVP with NICCA)
This session offers Tribal leaders and advocates a strategic look at the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)—one of the most powerful tools available for strengthening Tribal communities through culturally grounded early childhood systems. More than a funding stream, CCDF represents sovereignty in action, allowing Tribes to design and lead programs that reflect their values, support working families, and prepare young children to thrive.
Participants will gain a clear understanding of how CCDF works in Tribal Nations, how it connects with programs like Head Start, home visiting, and early intervention, and how it can be leveraged to create seamless, community-driven systems of care and learning. Even in a shifting policy environment, CCDF remains stable, flexible, and expanding—presenting new opportunities for Tribes to stand strong in service to their youngest citizens.
This session will also offer actionable guidance for advocacy—whether engaging with federal agencies or aligning investments at the local level. Attendees will leave with a renewed vision for what’s possible through CCDF, deeper insight into NICCA’s role in supporting Tribal programs, and key messages to elevate in policy and funding conversations. Together, we stand united for our children—and the future is ours to shape.
Saturday, October 18: Standing Strong for Our Children: Sovereignty, Strength, and the Future of Tribal Child Care (1:30 pm in the Main Assembly | RSVP with NICCA)
Tribal child care programs—funded through the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)—are powerful examples of sovereignty in action, supporting family stability, community well-being, and cultural strength. In this brief but impactful session, learn how Tribes are standing strong for their children by shaping early childhood systems rooted in their own values and vision. Hear how NICCA, the National Indian Child Care Association, supports this work—and why CCDF remains one of the most flexible and promising funding streams for Tribal Nations, offering continued opportunity even in challenging times.
No registration is necessary to attend the Convention. If you would like to sign up to let us know you will be there (and get the resources we share), register for each session!
