Brr… The Journey North to Churchill Manitoba

January 13-18, 2026

Six Early Childhood Educators on a Developmental Studies practicum, two TOYBOX members and supervising faculty Sheri-Lynn Skwarchuk embarked on a journey north. The goal was to share resources and learn about early childhood and community in the north. We were packed to the brim and we were not really sure what was taking up all the space. But then in Churchill, our fun loving (but fairly large) mascot Nume popped off the VIA train full of energy and surprise, announcing they came to support the numeracy learning and fun!

En route to Churchill, the team stopped in Misipawistik and Thompson. We had planned to visit Pimicikamak but a community emergency had us visiting in our hearts instead. In Churchill, we held a parent TOYBOX night with Nume, and we visited the child care centres and early years classrooms demonstrating how to use the TOYBOX kits we sent home. We shared an animal activity equipped with local Manitoba animals. We included small cans of playdoh so children could make and see the animal tracks in the dough. Families also took home drink coasters so TOYBOX would be visible in children’s homes. One parent commented that the town is small and it is hard to run community events. This was one of the first outings that she enjoyed with her 3-year-old child.

We learned about early learning in the North and how critical a child care centre is to supporting the local community. ECEs were spoken about as a critical profession in Churchill. With limited capacity, the centre is regularly faced with decisions about who gets the spots “so the community has a grade 4 teacher or the hospital has a public health nurse.” In Thompson, we met the incredibly connected early learning community and learned about what one Indigenous speaking specialist is doing to support language reclamation. Thompson educators encouraged us to see the amazing work they were doing, to erase past stigmas and perceptions of this beautiful northern community. Facilities were beautiful all around, children were loved and cared for, but we learned that the child care shortage is extenuated in the north. Finally, we learned about Métis culture and northern experiences through our local guide Gerald. After the journey, all practicum students presented their work at the WESTCAST education conference, and contributed to presentations at the First Nations Early Learning and Child Care conferences one month later.

Taylor’s Reflection and Learning:

Taylor is our student Indigenous consultant for the TOYBOX project (front left in the dog photo). Taylor learned about the importance of community and relationships within and outside of the travelling group.

“This journey allowed me to connect deeply with community members from Misipawistik, Thompson and Churchill. The people who took the trip along with me were those who I found in a community that had the same drive to support and bridge the gap between the south and the north of Manitoba. Conversations, visiting, and listening to everyone's stories were inspiring. I will always remember this trip and keep in touch with those who took this journey with me.”

In conclusion, we learned that we need to be doing more to support our northern partners and friends. There is a sign in Churchill that reminds visitors not to forget these people and this beautiful place. “Know I am here.”

Formatting Editor: Wynonna