As the Native Communities Learning Project: We Are Still Here series continues to move from understanding historical and contemporary realities toward meaningful action, this session explores what it truly means to move beyond performative partnership and toward accountable relationship-building with Native Nations and communities. While many organizations and systems express a desire to support Native children and families, genuine collaboration requires shifting power, centering Tribal leadership, and rethinking how decisions are made within early childhood systems.
In this session, we will explore what it means to move from allyship toward accompliceship in Native early childhood work. Together, we will examine models of Tribal-led coalition building, partnership structures that create space for collaboration while maintaining Native leadership and sovereignty, and broader visions for strengthening Tribal authority within early childhood systems and practice. Participants will reflect on the difference between inclusion and shared power, and consider how institutions, advocates, and partners can better support Native-led priorities and decision-making.
This conversation will invite participants to think critically about accountability, relationship, and the long-term work of building systems that honor Tribal sovereignty, community expertise, and Indigenous visions for children and families. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of sovereignty-centered partnership, coalition building, and the ongoing work required to move from intention to action.
This webinar is the seventh session in our 8-part series offered through the Alliance’s Native Communities Learning Project: We Are Still Here. Access recordings of past webinars here.