TOYBOX at the 2026 FNELCC Conference

February 25, 2026

Toybox was honored to present at the 2026 First Nations Early Learning and Child Care (FNELCC) conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba, in collaboration with students from Education, Developmental Studies, and Psychology.

During our morning session, Connecting The Dots” presentation invited participants to reflect on how educators, children, and community members contribute to the strength as a whole. We played Jenga and just like Jenga, every piece matters. Remove one piece of support, and the entire structure falls apart.

What stood out most was how leadership in Early Education settings is often overlooked when really it is about relationships, connections, building, listening, advocating and honouring culture daily. We were reminded that leadership is not a title, but a responsibility to children and community.

During the afternoon we presented, “Play, Language, and Wellness: Indigenous Learning Opportunities within TOYBOX”, we shared how ways of being culturally grounded and play-based experiences can support literacy, numeracy, leadership, and wellness. We shared our gardening activity inspired by the Three Sisters teaching which represented interdependence, balance, and mutual support. Understanding that all cultural teachings are not JUST static “lessons”, they are living knowledge systems that must be approached with respect and care.

I heard good things about different programs that were already planning to purchase the supplies for our gardening activity, and were wanting to start their beans in the next few weeks as the weather warms up. I think that it is so important and special to see people really connecting.

- Maddy Young

Just as importantly we learned, through collaboration and discussion, community members generously shared language, local knowledge, experiences and examples of culturally rooted practices happening in their early learning settings. These conversations reminded us that meaningful learning is relational and guided by community voice. As a team, we are committed to carrying this knowledge forward by, working towards language integration within activities, strengthening land-based learning, and continuing to build resources guided by community membership.

Litty & Lexi!

This was my first conference and I am so thankful to have taken part in it, and being able to connect with our Toybox team, community and my culture is so important to me. I am excited to take what I’m learning and continue it into learning environments within the future. It was awesome meeting so many people and seeing their happy faces when Litty came by to visit us.

- Lexi Meachem

We are grateful for the opportunity to connect with educators from northern and rural Manitoba, along with community members from the Northwest Territories. Learning alongside those who are supporting children and families everyday is what strengthens TOYBOX. Miigwetch to everyone who joined us.

Written by: Lexi Meachem