Who We Are Is Rooted in the Earth: Honoring Identity, Growth, and Culture in Early Childhood
- May 15
- 2 min read
With the days growing longer and warmer, May brings fresh opportunities for children to explore who they are and where they come from. For many Tribal communities, this time of year invites us to reflect on growth—not just in the natural world, but in our stories, traditions, and identities. It’s a powerful time to help children connect with culture, land, and self through everyday activities that are both joyful, meaningful and important in early childhood.
This month, NICCA is proud to feature Who Am I? by Julie Buchholtz as our Indigenous Book of the Month. Through a tender conversation between a young girl and her mother, this lyrical story weaves together themes of ancestry, nature, and self-discovery. “You are the fire that burns and the eagle that soars,” the mother tells her daughter, reminding us that identity is more than a name—it’s a reflection of our ties to the land, to our people, and to the stories that shape us.
To bring those themes to life, we’ve gathered a list of spring-inspired, age-appropriate crafts that encourage children to explore identity and culture in a hands-on way. These activities are perfect for families, early learning programs, or community events:
🌿 Nature Identity Mobiles (Ages 3–8) – Children gather natural items like twigs, feathers, and leaves and tie them to a hoop or stick. Each item represents a part of who they are, sparking conversations about family, traits, and traditions.
🛡️My Story Stones (Ages 5–12) – Kids decorate stones with symbols or images that reflect their personal stories, family, or cultural identity.
🍃 “You Are...” Affirmation Leaves (Ages 2–6) – Young children color or decorate paper leaves while adults write simple affirmations inspired by their personalities, values, or strengths.
✍️ Who Am I? Silhouette Collages (Ages 6–12) – Kids trace their profiles on paper, or even on chalk and fill the shape with images, words, or drawings that reflect who they are and where they come from.
These simple but powerful activities help children engage with cultural identity in ways that are tactile, visual, and deeply personal. They create space for families and programs to talk about ancestry, place, and values while reinforcing the strength and beauty of Indigenous knowledge.
As we move toward the summer season, let us continue to support the growth of our youngest learners—nurturing not only their minds, but also their sense of self and belonging. When children know who they are, they can thrive wherever they go.
