Connecting the Past, Present, and Future

Native children learn through traditional practices, cultural norms, and Native languages. Early learning programs can support this work. They can create spaces that reflect each community’s values and knowledge. Traditional knowledge and practices teach children who they are and where they come from. These experiences build identity and strengthen family relationships. They also support family well-being.

Family members and elders are children’s first and lifelong teachers. They share beliefs, values, and ways of life that guide children’s learning every day. Early childhood professionals honor this role. They include culture, language, and traditions in their programs.

Staff start by learning from each family. They listen and reflect on their own practices. This helps them build trust and respect. Shared understanding brings families and programs together to support children’s growth.

About the Family Journey Portfolio

Families and elders can use the Family Journey Portfolio to collect and share traditions, daily practices, and languages for their children.

Young children work with elders and family members to make and gather items for the portfolio. The portfolio grows with the child. It lasts beyond the early learning years. Families can add new experiences, activities, and skills.

The portfolio is for all families. It offers a fun and meaningful way to celebrate culture. It helps save memories and connect generations. Families, children, and communities honor the past while shaping the future together.

What Families Can Include

Families can add items that show their lives, history, and traditions. These items help save memories and strengthen family connections.

Examples include:

• Artwork, stories, and poems that family members created or recorded
• Photos, audio clips, or video clips of storytelling, songs, dances, or ceremonies
• Written reflections or family journals
• Mementos or objects with cultural meaning

Themes to Explore

Families can choose themes that reflect their traditions. Staff can help them focus on specific themes such as:

• Honoring Mother Earth
• Ancestors and Elders
• Languages
• Cultural Practices
• Storytelling
• Crops, Foods, and Food Systems

Families can also choose themes that reflect local culture, seasonal activities, or community events. Working on the portfolio as a community can help keep traditions alive.

Program Support for Families

Programs can support families as they build and share their portfolio. Examples include:

• Home visits
• Family engagement activities
• Classroom projects
• Center-based family events
• Community gatherings

Families and staff learn from each other. Sharing helps build trust. It also builds a sense of belonging and connection. Staff can make a positive difference in Native children’s and families’ lives.

Guiding Principles

These principles guide how programs and families work together as they create portfolios. The portfolio:

• Honors Families
  It values parents, families, elders, and community members as leaders and lifelong teachers. They help keep tribal languages and cultures alive.
• Values Daily Life
  It recognizes daily life and activities. It encourages families to continue their traditions.
• Includes Family Engagement
  Staff connect with families in natural, respectful ways. With permission, staff join families in daily activities. These activities help shape learning and identity.
• Adapts for Each Family
  Each family connects to language and culture in its own way. Families can strengthen current connections. They can also start new ones. When families teach children the languages of their elders, communities thrive.

Family Journey Portfolio Event Toolkit

This toolkit helps staff plan and lead an event where families start building their portfolios. The toolkit includes: