How do you empower a community to create lasting change from within? In our latest episode, we're joined by Beth
Dodds and Ashley Bunker, a 2023 graduate of the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI), to uncover the extraordinary impact of this 23-week program. Beth provides a comprehensive look at how IPLI integrates child development, leadership, democracy skills, and Ojibwe culture to uplift Indigenous parents and caregivers. Ashley shares her compelling journey, emphasizing how IPLI has
emboldened her to advocate for transformative changes in both her family and the broader White Earth Tribal Community, culminating in a profound experience
discussing poverty and child welfare in Washington DC.
We also delve into the exciting future of IPLI, including the forthcoming Indigenous Children's Leadership Initiative
(ICLI), aimed at nurturing leadership skills in young children. Beth speaks passionately about the importance of starting leadership development early, aided by innovative programs like Indigibox, which seamlessly weave Ojibwe culture into education. We wrap up by celebrating the ongoing contributions of IPLI alumni and the indispensable role of community support in fostering the next generation of leaders. Join us for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of community-driven progress and cultural enrichment.
This episode was recorded on July 17th, 2024 on the
live radio program Native Roots Radio-I’m Awake, broadcast on various radio station in the Twin Cities, Chicago and Wisconsin. To hear more interviews with early childhood experts on how to support the important brain development
that takes place in the first 1000 days of life–just through little moments every day, visit littlemomentscount.org/podcast