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In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, we hear from Fawn YoungBear Tibbetts, executive director of Wicoie Nandagikendan, Minneapolis's first Indigenous urban preschool immersion program. The organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary and we discuss the future of the school with a strategic approach rooted in tradition. This preschool program also spotlights traditional foods and food sovereignty, this initiative addresses the community's challenges with accessing culturally significant foods. Through innovative projects like bison butchering classes and detailed food maps, families are being reconnected to their heritage. This episode was recorded on March 19th, 2025 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.  To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how to support the important brain development that takes place in the first 1000 days of life–just through little moments every day, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcast

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, we hear from Beth Ann Hedman-Dodds and Ashley Bunker from the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative Program with All Nations Rise. IPLI is a 23-week program designed to empower parents by focusing on child development, leadership, and Ojibwe culture while addressing generational trauma. Ashley shares her personal transformation and skills gained from the program, emphasizing the importance of media literacy in advocating for Indigenous communities. The episode highlights the IPLI's efforts in fostering educational leadership and offers guidance for other Indigenous communities looking to implement similar initiatives. It celebrates the potential for community advocacy and the expansion of IPLI across Minnesota, showcasing a commitment to empowering local leaders and driving change. This episode was recorded on Feb. 21st, 2025 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, we hear from educators Vanessa Goodthunder and Sandy Jackson. Vanessa Goodthunder created a cultural sanctuary with Lower Sioux Early Head Start, integrating the Dakota language into early childhood education to foster belonging and connection. She shares her journey, highlighting how language embodies cultural values and geography. Sandy Jackson, a former Dakota language immersion student, discusses how cultural activities influenced her teaching philosophy and passion for preserving Dakota culture. Together, they emphasize the importance of early education in revitalizing the Dakota language and culture, showing how introducing language at a young age strengthens cultural identity and community bonds. Their work celebrates Native resilience and progress in language preservation, urging families to engage in this cultural journey and harness the transformative power of language learning. This episode was recorded on December 18th, 2024 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.  To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how to support the important brain development that takes place in the first 1000 days of life–just through little moments every day.

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, guest we hear from Barb Fabre, CEO of Indigenous Visioning and a member of the White Earth Ojibwe Nation, where she shares insights on early childhood development from an Indigenous perspective. A lifelong child advocate, Barb highlights the importance of understanding historical trauma and brain development in nurturing young minds, especially in Indigenous communities. She stresses the need for culturally informed child care environments and resources that honor Indigenous heritage, ensuring that early interactions foster a strong sense of self and community. In our conversation, Barb shares her journey and the impact of advocacy in addressing the unique needs of Indigenous children and families. Through her work with Indigenous Visioning and All Nations Rise, she demonstrates how preserving cultural identity helps future generations thrive. Her commitment to building brighter futures by honoring the past underscores the connection between Native issues and broader human concerns. Tune in for a dialogue that emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping our shared future. This episode was recorded on November 20th, 2024 on the live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin.  To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how to support the important brain development that takes place in the first 1000 days of life–just through little moments every day.

In the latest episode of Little Moments Count Radio Podcast on Native Roots Radio, guest Fawn YoungBear Tibbetts, executive director of Wicoie Nandagikendan, discusses Minneapolis's first Indigenous urban preschool immersion program. The program not only teaches Dakota and Ojibwe languages but also aims to nurture future leaders grounded in their cultural heritage. Children aged toddlers to five engage in a dual-language environment that promotes cultural understanding, with traditional practices like Indigenous food preparation integrated into daily learning. The podcast also addresses the vital connection between nutrition and brain development, particularly in communities facing poverty and health issues. Fawn shares her efforts to combat food deserts in South Minneapolis by introducing innovative solutions such as native HelloFresh boxes, empowering families to make healthier food choices. The episode highlights the importance of culture and nutrition in fostering resilient communities and a promising future for the next generation. This episode was recorded on October 16th, 2024

Join us as we discuss the Dakota Language Nest, an inspiring immersion daycare program at the University of Minnesota. We are joined by Wóokiye wiŋ, lead teacher, and the passionate Šišókadut, linguistic director at Dakota IápiOkhódakičhiye. We explore how this initiative is reviving the Dakota language for children. Through full-day immersion, these young learners engage in cultural traditions like singing and smudging, building a foundation that reconnects them to their roots while countering the historical impacts of the boarding school era. Discover how art and storytelling, alongside scholarships and parental resources, play a vital role in nurturing a new generation of Dakota speakers. This episode reveals how education and community efforts intertwine to ensure the Dakota language and culture flourish for years to come... This episode was recorded on September 18, 2024