“We’re learning how to keep our young children
healthy—away from violence and drug abuse
and interested in reading and learning,” says
Donna Dakota, a White Earth parent. “Before,
I didn’t understand what a big impact media
violence has on little kids. I’m more careful now
about what my children watch on TV.”

With a strong tradition of extended family, it’s no
surprise that the White Earth Coalition chose to
focus on parenting education. the community is
home to 450 Anishinabe (meaning “the original
people”), 250 of whom are young children.
Family is a highly regarded, deeply felt value;
grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles all
participate in raising the children.

“We knew the more information and resources
we could get in the hands of parents and
other relatives, the brighter the future for every
child—and for the community,” says Mary Leff,
coalition coordinator. “We designed programs
to support the culture of White Earth and
encourage broad community participation. That
often means using stories, art, dance, and music.”

The belief that art can teach is a thread running
through many coalition efforts—a cultural play
about a coyote, a magician who weaves self-esteem lessons into his act, a musical show, an
outdoor kids concert, storytellers, and an acting
troupe have all taught and entertained parents

and children alike. Participants leave with greater
understanding, and with “take homes” such as
the coalition’s Reservation Family Resource Guide, free cultural books, and “read to me” and “let me read to you” t-shirts.

One unique and successful example of linking
culture and art with parenting is the coalition’s
Caring for Kids store. It’s the center of a
community-wide incentive system to encourage
parents to find the time to attend preschool
events with their children, read to their children,
attend parent trainings, and keep health
appointments for their children.

White Earth elders have devoted part of their
local craft shop to the store. They keep track
of the store’s inventory (necessities like laundry
soap, diapers, etc.) and donate handmade
items for new babies. Parents shop at the store
by redeeming points given by a participating
program, school or agency.

The popularity of the store with new parents
has led to an increase in their participation in
early childhood programs like child care, Head
Start, and Even Start, while increasing elder
involvement with young children and community
awareness of the elders’ crafts.

The coalition’s programs are not only artistic,
but holistic. From large conferences to smaller
storytelling hours, parents receive information,
resources, and entertainment, as well as a
shared meal and free care for younger children.
Coalition events reinforce both cultural and
community bonds.