A message from the AECEO on Indigenous History Month and 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
June is Indigenous History Month.
As we honour and celebrate the legacy, heritage and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples on Indigenous History Month, we must also recognize the ways colonialism continues to harm Indigenous communities to this day. Educational and welfare systems have caused unimaginable hurt upon First Nation, Métis and Inuit children, families, and communities. It is our responsibility as educators to understand this history.
Early childhood education has a critical role in Reconciliation
As early childhood educators and child care workers, we are often part of children and families’ first contact with education and care systems, making it extremely important that we understand the role played by these systems in harming First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across Turtle Island. As we work to build a Canada-Wide system of early learning and child care (ELCC), it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to ensure First Nation, Métis and Inuit children, families, and educators feel safe, celebrated and empowered.
June is 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride Month
Pride is yearly observed in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising (New York City, 1969). While Pride Month is also known for being a time dedicated to celebrating 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, Pride is a reminder that the world still isn’t safe for 2SLGBTQIA+ people, forcing children, families, and educators to hide key parts of their identities to protect themselves.
Early learning and child care programs can have a significant impact on 2SLGBTQIA+ children and families’ early experiences of the world. By promoting positive relationships within their communities, questioning pre-existing biases, and challenging harmful practices, early childhood educators and child care workers are key to creating safety for 2SLGBTQIA+ people to be their authentic selves.
It is important to recognize not all members of the our community are in positions where they are able to live these values or freely be themselves in ECE spaces. We see your struggle and hold space for you.
We step into June making space for celebration, reflection, grief and hope, as we acknowledge that the struggles faced by Indigenous communities and 2SLGBTQIA+ folks are rooted in the same harmful ideologies that continue to systemically undervalue education, pedagogy and care. It is crucial that we remind one another of the intricate connections between these issues and how they impact all our lives everyday. During this month and beyond, the AECEO is committed to supporting Indigenous leadership in building an inclusive, culturally safe ELCC system, and to standing up for the rights and safety of our 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings.
ECEs and child care workers play a pivotal part in building a kinder, more just world. With their skills, knowledge, intent and care, early childhood educators build the worlds that children and families experience. In order to build worlds where children and families can be seen, heard and cared for, ECEs and child care workers must be supported and well taken care of. As your professional association, the AECEO aims to continue creating safe spaces for our community to learn and grow together, and remains committed to fighting for the wages and work protections that reflect the important role you play in building safer communities for everyone.