Because the brain is constructed in the first few years of life from influences of genes and experience, shaping the developing brain with healthy early experiences will establish a foundation for all the learning, health and behavior that follow.

Young children need:

· a set-up and safe learning environment

·    structured daily schedule

·    loving, caring, guiding adults

·    learning experiences that emphasize their language, culture and history

Indigenous children have these same needs, however are educated through a dominant colonial culture and Eurocentric knowledge base. Indigenous culture is lost at the direct expense of colonization, dismissing Indigenous languages, history and culture as well as the Indigenous approach to education when children were taught holistically how to survive in their culture by observing elders and peers. Now, Indigenous children have limited exposure to a culturally responsive pedagogy despite growing evidence that children immersed in their language and culture and supported by families in their foundational years will form strong self-identities and build resilience to challenges of racial bias and inequity. Niniijaanis One of Ones was created for children, to provided tools and knowledge that they would not receive in a dominant childcare or educational setting.

Niniijaanis One of Ones shifts early childhood education away from Euro-centric intellectual standards to traditionally serving the whole child.

Niniijaanis brings early childhood equity to American Indian children birth-six years old through culturally relevant learning materials and curriculum. By decolonizing early childhood educational materials, we start to reclaim the education of our Indigenous children. By utilizing language and culture in the curricular materials, children see themselves reflected in them and may be more attracted to use them. Using these materials with meaningful activities will incorporate the whole child and enhance educational and cultural health equity. A healthy early start in life will mitigate early gaps in development, impact student performance outcomes, and establish a strong foundation for all the learning, health and behavior that follow.

1:1 Benefit Model

For every item purchased, we give one away <3

Give-away item goes to an early childhood program partner OR to a nominated family (please fill out nomination form here), selected by the customer.

Early childhood program partners who purchase materials can buy one, get one free OR nominate one of their families. Learn more about becoming a program partner here.

Give-away items are processed quarterly in September, December, March and June.

Niniijaanis Curriculum

Each Niniijaanis purchase comes with more than just the culturally relevant material, it comes with a guide too! See the template guide that is included with every Niniijaanis purchase…

Niniijaanis War Pony Campaign

Riding together for Equity! Early childhood educators and families- we are here to help!

Growing evidence suggests that children immersed in their language & culture & supported by families in their foundational years will form strong self-identities & build resilience to challenges of racial inequity & bias. With Niniijaanis, children can be exposed to a culturally responsive education through our learning materials and curriculum designed by our collective. Currently we sell online but we are ready to hit the road- literally, pairing our products with educational services through our Niniijaanis War Pony!

Any support for our campaign is appreciated, donations, shares, likes, etc. plus there are some cool rewards! Visit our crowdfunding page: https://ifundwomen.com/projects/niniijaanis-war-pony

Early Childhood Program Parners

Montessori American Indian Childcare Center in St. Paul, MN is a trusted childcare center that focuses on a culturally unique and holistic approach to lifelong learning. We are a high-quality and educational Montessori preschool providing early childhood learning opportunities for children. Our goal is to let families witness their children blossom into independent, conscientious, and well-rounded individuals. The mission of Montessori American Indian Childcare Center is 'to address the early childhood needs and the academic achievement gap of American Indian children, through revitalizing language and culture.'

Learn more about becoming a program partner here.