Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Black history in Canada has not always been celebrated or highlighted. Though this month is an important time to reflect on, learn about, and address anti-black racism, it is also an important time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

Black History Month offers an important opportunity to celebrate and amplify Black voices while continuing to address racism and embrace anti-racism in our lives. There are many ways we can celebrate Black Canadians everyday – including supporting Black-owned businesses, immersing yourself in storytelling and culture while supporting Black storytellers, and learning more about the rich history and contributions of Black Canadians.

If you’re not quite sure where to start, here are some suggestions:

For more information about Black History Month in Canada, visit:

Tell Us About Yourself!

We apologize! Our form wasn’t working correctly, but we have fixed the issue!
We want to recognize and celebrate all of the incredible people that are working to support child care and early years — you included! Please take a moment to tell us a bit about yourself so that we can feature you on our Child Care and Early Years’ Portal.

Click HERE to complete the form and receive a SUPERSTAR shoutout on the Portal!

Save the Date!

Save the Date: Cultivating Hope Virtual Speaker Series

What future are we nurturing for our children and families? We invite you to join us for a speaker series to engage in critical conversations that support early learning in Northwestern Ontario. Our speakers will lead us through inspirational conversations in a safe place where we can think, discuss, and question our ideas. 

Karyn Callaghan & Kelly Massaro-Joblin: How Does Learning Happen?

November 10, 2021 @ 2pm & 7pm EST 

Harper Keenan: Gender and Freedom in Young Children’s Lives

November 17, 2021 @  2pm & 7pm EST

Tamara Bernard: Strengthening Indigenous Trauma-Informed Approaches

November 25, 2021 @ 2pm & 7pm EST  

Aynsley Klassen: Nurturing Futures in the Face of Climate Change

December 1, 2021 @ 10am EST 

December 2, 2021 @ 7pm EST 

Carly Brown:   Tools for Well-Being: For Yourself and the Children

December 8, 2021 @ 7pm EST 
December 9, 2021 @ 2pm EST 

More information to come!

Indigenous Knowledge Exchange-Indigenous Song and Dance in the Early Years

The Indigenous Professional Learning Team is extending an invitation to early years professionals to attend our upcoming Knowledge Exchange Gathering.

July 21, 2020 from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EDT

This month Elders, Knowledge Keepers and early years professionals will share about the importance of Indigenous song and dance in relation to belonging, wellbeing, expression and engagement for children in the early years.

Be sure to register by Monday July 19, 2020 at 4:00 pm EDT.

Click HERE to register.

Communicating with Parents During the Pandemic

We wanted to say a special thank you to Ari Vainio and Jaymie Rusnak for hosting a conversation on communicating with parents during COVID-19. Ari and Jaymie had many clever ideas to support communication with families during these trying times. One unique example is their “virtual playdates”. Ari and Jaymie have scheduled times where families can pop in on Zoom and have a virtual visit in the program. This allows parents to get acquainted with the environment where their child spends so much of their day, and to meet some of the other children that their child plays with. Another creative idea that they shared was offering parents the option of going for a social-distanced walk (when the public health direction allows). Ari and Jaymie shared that they would go for social-distanced walks throughout the Lakehead University campus with families as a way of getting to know each other better. This provided families with a sense of comfort and trust in knowing who they are leaving their child with each day.

While there were many great ideas shared throughout the conversation, we were still left feeling like it wasn’t enough, and that we wish we could have a closer relationship with families right now. This presented as a good reminder for all of us that we are doing the best we can in the circumstances that we are dealt with currently.

Let us know how you’ve been connecting with families in the comments below.

What story could you tell?

HDLH Bus Tour, 2019

The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board recently offered a survey regarding staff well-being. Some of the feedback from this survey was to support staff through re-connecting and opportunities to support mental health.

We know that many of the staff working in child care and EarlyON programs in our communities have strengths and talents to inspire, showcase, and bring comfort to others. Do you or does your centre have a skill to share? A story to tell? Perhaps you have a colleague that has a gift that you recognize others should see. Whether it’s documentation, cooking, crafting, or storytelling, we would like to hear what you could share virtually among our community!

Submit your idea to us at early.years@tbdssab.ca