Niniijaanis

 
“Every educational journey begins in early childhood…”
Brook LaFloe graduating Kindergarten, American Indian Magnet School, 1998.

Brook LaFloe graduating Kindergarten, American Indian Magnet School, 1998.

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.

Brook LaFloe high school graduation, J2011.

Brook LaFloe high school graduation, Johnsong High School 2011.

Brook LaFloe graduating college, Tulane University, 2016.

Brook LaFloe graduating college, Tulane University, 2016.

Niniijaanis Materials and Curriculum

Featured
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Niniijaanis
Indigenous Montessori Powwow Dancers Mobile
Niniijaanis
$30.00

“Indigenous Montessori Powwow Dancers Mobile”

The Powwow has evolved into an intertribal celebration of culture and shared dancing, resembled here in the #Niniijaanis Indigenous Montessori Powwow Dancers Mobile, brought to you by Brook LaFloe. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Saint Paul, MN.

Details

  • Hand made by Brook LaFloe

  • Curriculum included with purchase

  • Read more about the mobile in our journal “The Powwow Trail”

Size

  • Hung on 7.8in Hoop

Materials

  • Bamboo wooden hoop

  • Cotton and transparent thread

  • Double sided holographic dancers (4)

  • Sinew

Investments ($30.00)

  • 50% ($15) Directly to artist Brook LaFloe

  • 50% ($15) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways 

Read more →
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Niniijaanis
Primary Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron
Niniijaanis
$50.00

“Primary Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron”

Keep clean clothes and work in style while building a cultural identity with the #Niniijaanis Primary Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron, brought to you by Janice LaFloe. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Saint Paul, MN.

Details

  • Hand made by Janice LaFloe

  • Working ribbon apron for 3-6 years of age

  • Pair of matching napkins (2)

  • Hook and Eye closure

  • Curriculum included with purchase

Size

  • Apron: 22 1/4” L x 17” W

  • Waist tie: 12” L expandable to 22” L

  • Napkins: 5 1/4 “ L x 5 1/4 “ W approximately

Materials

  • Cotton

  • Ribbon

  • Elastic necktie and waist tie

  • Hook and eye

Investments ($50.00)

  • 50% ($25) Directly to artist Janice LaFloe 

  • 50% ($25) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
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Niniijaanis
Toddler Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron
Niniijaanis
$45.00

“Toddler Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron” 

Keep clean clothes and work in style while building a cultural identity with the #Niniijaanis Toddler Indigenous Montessori Ribbon Apron, brought to you by Janice LaFloe. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Saint Paul, MN.

Details

  • Hand made by Janice LaFloe

  • Working ribbon apron for 1-3 years of age, once walking

  • Pair of matching napkins (2)

  • Velcro closure

  • Elastic necktie

  • Curriculum included with purchase

Size

  • Apron: 18 3/4 ” L x 13 1/2” W

  • Waist tie: 13 1/4” L

  • Napkins: 4” x 4” approximately

Materials

  • Cotton

  • Ribbon

  • Elastic

  • Velcro

Investments ($45.00)

As part of the social benefit of your purchase, Niniijaanis will give away the same item to an early childhood program partner or nominated child/family. Your purchase covers the material cost portion of the giveaway item (not including labor). You will get to select the recipient of the give away item.

Read more →
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Niniijaanis
Mashkode-bizhikii Horn Rattle
Niniijaanis
$60.00

“Mashkode-bizhikii Horn Rattle”

Mashkode-bizhikii, the buffalo sustained life physically and culturally for many Plains and Woodland tribes. We honor Mashkode-bizhikii and their teachings by sharing them with our young ones and the next generation, made possible with the #Niniijaanis Mashkode-bizhikii Horn Rattle brought to you by Dakota Gunville. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Belcourt, ND.

Details

  • Hand crafted and assembled by Dakota Gunville

  • Curriculum included with language contributions from Marshall Asini

Size

  • Varies on horn size (approximately 11” L x 6” W x 3.5”H)

Materials

  • Buffalo Horn

  • Raw hide

  • Beans

  • Metal pellets

  • Clear enamel finish

Investments ($60.00)

  • 75% ($45) Directly to artist Dakota Gunville

  • 25% ($15) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
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Sold out
Niniijaanis
Mikinaak Shell Rattle
Niniijaanis
$40.00

“Mikinaak Shell Rattle”

Mikinaak, the turtle is one of the 7 grandfather teachings for many Plains and Woodland tribes, including an original clan animal for the Anishinaabeg. We honor Mikinaakwag and their teachings by sharing them with our young ones and the next generation, made possible with the #Niniijaanis Mikinaak Rattle brought to you by Dakota Gunville. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Belcourt, ND.

Details

  • Hand crafted and assembled by Dakota Gunville

  • Curriculum included with language contributions from Marshall Asini

Size

  • Varies depending on shell size (approximately 6”L x 5”W x 2”H)

Materials

  • Turtle Shell

  • Raw hide

  • Beans

  • Metal pellets

Investments ($40.00)

  • 75% ($30) Directly to artist Dakota Gunville

  • 25% ($10) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
Niniijaanis
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Niniijaanis
Montessori Grasping Beads
Niniijaanis
$15.00

“Montessori Grasping Beads”

To help baby work with their hands to develop and refine their movements and finger dexterity, the #Niniijaanis Montessori Grasping Beads. Brought to you by Brook LaFloe, made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Saint Paul, MN.

Details

  • Hand made by Brook LaFloe

  • Curriculum included with purchase

  • Designed for infants 3-4 months

Size

  • 4 (1”) hardwood oiled spheres, approximately 4” L

Materials

  • 4 hardwood oiled spheres

  • Leather string

Investments ($15.00)

  • 50% ($7.50) Directly to artist Brook LaFloe

  • 50% ($7.50) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
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Niniijaanis
Montessori Weaning Set
Niniijaanis
$36.00

“Montessori Weaning Set”

The weaning set is the Montessori method’s tool for teaching about table eating. Socializing over food is an important part of many tribal cultures today. For all table meal times, the #Niniijaanis Montessori Weaning Set - brought to you by Brook LaFloe and Janice LaFloe. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Twin Cities Metro, MN.

Details

  • Included: fork, spoon, plate, cup, placement mat

  • Machine washable placement mat

  • Child-size, stainless steel, dishwasher safe utensils (spoon and fork) that come with a travel case

  • Utensil colors: blue, pink, white (select at checkout)

  • Child-size, dishwasher safe, glass plate and cup

  • Placement mat cut and drawn by Brook LaFloe, and sewn by Janice Lafloe

  • Curriculum included

Size

  • Placement mat 12“ x 17”

  • Spoon and fork - 5 ½”L

    • Utensil travel case- 6”L x 3”W x 1”H

  • Glass plate - 6 ¼” Diameter

  • Glass cup - 2 ¼”H x 2” Diameter

Materials

  • Stainless steel

  • Plastic

  • Glass

  • Cotton

  • Faux leather vinyl

Investments ($36.00)

  • 50% ($18) Directly to artist Brook LaFloe

  • 50% ($18) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
Niniijaanis
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Niniijaanis
Carrot Peeling Work Set
Niniijaanis
$64.00

“Carrot Peeling Work Set”

The Peeling Work Set invites children to learn the love of food preparation, a skill for life! Practice new motor movements including washing, scrubbing, and peeling carrots to develop a healthy food relationship and independence. For all meal prep times, the #Niniijaanis Carrot Peeling Work Set - brought to you by Janice LaFloe. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Twin Cities Metro, MN.

Details

  • Included: Wooden cutting board, handheld peeler, ribbon apron, 2 cloth napkins, tray, work mat with ring

  • Machine washable apron, napkins and work mat

  • Dishwasher safe tray

  • Handwash peeler & wooden cutting board (DO NOT SOAK)

  • Primary age (3-6) orange ribbon apron designed by Janice LaFloe

  • Curriculum included

Size

  • Placement mat 12“ x 17”

  • Apron: 22 1/4” L x 17” W, Waist tie: 12” L expandable to 22” L

  • Napkins: 5 1/4 “ L x 5 1/4 “ W approximately

  • Tray: 9.5”L x 9.5”W

  • Peeler: 5”L

  • Cutting Board: 6”L x 8”W x 1/2”H

Materials

  • Metal

  • Cotton

  • Plastic

  • Faux leather vinyl

Investments ($64.00)

  • 50% ($32) Directly to artist Janice LaFloe

  • 50% ($32) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
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Niniijaanis
Animals of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version)
Niniijaanis
$16.00

“Animals of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version)”

Animals of Khéya Wíta- Turtle Island is a story exploring the traits of our sacred animal relatives through imagination and wonder. Khéya Wíta is the Dakota language version, complimentary to Animals of Nimaamaa-Aki - Mother Earth, the Ojibwe Version. Translated by Tara Perron, noting what an honor it is to teach our children how to care for and respect all the amazing spirits of our beautiful homeland(s). The #Niniijaanis Animals of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version) is brought to you by Tara Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Perron. Written and developed on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Twin Cities Metro, MN.

Details

  • Paperback book

  • 24 pages

  • Written in English and the Ojibwe language

  • ISBN-13: Animals of Khéya Wíta (Dakota Version)

Size

  • 8.5 x 0.06 x 8.5 inches

Materials

  • Paper

Investments ($16.00)

  • 50% ($8) Directly to author Tara Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ Perron

  • 50% ($8) fundraised for Niniijaanis Giveaways

Read more →
Niniijaanis
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Niniijaanis
12" Deer Drum Set
Niniijaanis
$140.00

“12" Deer Drum Set”

A drum fit for the powwow trails this summer. The #Niniijaanis 12" Deer Drum Set is brought to you by Dakota Gunville. Made on Occupied Anishinaabe/Dakota Territory | Dunseith, ND.

Details

  • Hand crafted and assembled by Dakota Gunville

  • Complete set with drum & drumstick

Size

  • Drum: 12” diameter

  • Stick: 10”L

Materials

  • Raw hide

  • Wood

  • Sinew

Investments ($140.00)

  • 75% ($105) Directly to Dakota Gunville

  • 25% ($35) fundraised for Niniijaanis MMIW Basketball team

Read more →
Niniijaanis

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…

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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.