Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility
We believe that diversity of cultures and customs in our community offers opportunities for us all to learn and grow.
Our Commitment to Inclusion, Community, and Belonging
We are committed to inclusion, accessibility, welcoming, valuing, celebrating, and respecting individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, levels of ability, and religious backgrounds.
We strive to increase our understanding of all communities, cultures, and backgrounds to make our centres a collective of stronger, more compassionate and effective future learners and leaders.
We work to accommodate all levels of abilities when it comes to the children we serve, their families, and our team members to create a safe place of equal opportunity.
As an organization, we strive to be active members of our community and give abundantly where we can. Since 2017, Wee Wild Ones has raised over $400,000 through our initiatives in support of community nonprofits that provide essential services to families.
Gender
We firmly believe in the right of all individuals to identify, express, and define their gender as they see fit.
Our team members abide by this policy, demonstrate respect, and refer to each other and the children by their preferred pronouns (he, she, they, etc). Families are encouraged to share their preferred pronouns for themselves and their child(ren) with us. Wee Wild Ones partners with the Skipping Stone Foundation and is recognized as a trans-affirming organization. We work to provide a safe and inclusive space for all children, families, and team members to feel affirmed and celebrated.
We share books with children on a variety of diverse topics throughout the year that are focused on building connections, and being kind and accepting of everyone. We value inclusivity and diversity and continuously work towards creating an environment where all people feel accepted to show up as they are.
Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy which includes the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani; the Tsuut’ina Nation, The Iyaxe Nakoda Nations of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Wesley; and the Métis citizens of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Districts 5 and 6; and all other Indigenous communities that make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.
We all come from different backgrounds. What we have in common is the organization we work for. At Wee Wild Ones, we honour the history of this land and that the impact of colonialism is still relevant today. We work towards reconciliation through sustainable practices, using limited materials, and trying to minimize waste. We foster social responsibility in our classrooms, through discussion and acknowledgement and the role each of us play in caring for each other and the land.
We are willing to change when it is needed and approach conversations with love and humility. We recognize that Indigenous communities have values and practices that can be a critical part of the solution for the environmental issues we currently face. We are grateful to be here on Treaty 7.
Together, we all have a role in reconciliation and do not take this responsibility lightly.
Business for Reconciliation
We commit to meaningful consultation, and building respectful relationships.
We will ensure equitable job access, training, and educational opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
Team for Reconciliation
We will provide education for all Wee Wild Ones employees on the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history of residential schools, Treaties and Land Rights, Indigenous Ways of Knowing, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
We will collaborate with Indigenous knowledge holders to educate teachers on how to appropriately weave Indigenous knowledge with teaching methods in the classroom.
We will share information and best practices on teaching curriculum related to residential schools and Indigenous history.
We will identify teacher training needs as related to any of the above and we will provide Wee Wild Ones team members with skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.
Classroom for Reconciliation
We will implement culturally appropriate, inclusive curricula for all children.
We will implement age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Indigenous Peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada.
We will honour and uphold Indigenous languages and teach Indigenous languages when appropriate and accessible.
Guided by the wisdom of local Indigenous communities, we will build student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.
Love & Voice for Reconciliation
We will lead with love, ownership, connection, intention, and growth.
We will actively seek to shift the Wee Wild Ones culture, guided by Indigenous ways of knowing and being.
We will stand up and use our voice to affect change when appropriate or desired.
We will develop future critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders of the world.
Our Commitment
Wee Wild Ones is committed to investing our minds, hearts, and hands to the restoration, repair, and growth of the relationship between Indigenous and all peoples in Canada.
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action serve as guidelines for Wee Wild Ones in taking ownership over our commitment to drive change, elevate childcare, and move forward in the journey toward Reconciliation.
We will build inclusive environments through relationships with Indigenous communities and Indigenous-led organizations to influence our leadership decisions, policy making, employee training, and classroom experiences for the children in our care. Our intention is to build meaningful relationships, be a voice, and empower organizations while respecting ethical space.