Wiba Anung has participated in a wide range of activities and co-produced several deliverables that support the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families.
Curricula
Designed for both Tribal Head Start and Tribal Home Visiting contexts, the Gikinawabii Child Well-being curricula and materials support families in their efforts to guide children in developing their cultural understandings, including those of the Anishinaabe 13 moons.
Assessments
Wiba Anung has co-developed several classroom-based child assessments including:
CICI
The Culturally Immersed Classroom Interaction (CICI) is a tool that measures culturally grounded interactions in preschool classrooms. This tool was developed by members of the Wiba Anung team in collaboration with Indigenous Head Start classrooms and has undergone pilot testing.
CLASS
The Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) provides data-driven information on the quality of classroom interactions and is used to assess and improve teacher-child interactions.
NCLCO
The NCLCO (Native Culture & Language in the Classroom Observation) is an observational instrument designed to assess the presence of culturally relevant experiences in AIAN classrooms. It requires that observers rate the presence (yes/no) of culturally relevant items and activities (e.g., cultural books, Native dress or regalia, Native food, etc.).
Professional Development
Members of Wiba Anung provide ongoing professional development to early childhood educators, including those employed by Tribal Head Start.
Dissemination
Wiba Anung disseminates information about our work and activities to a variety of audiences using multiple media outlets.
Food Resource Guides
Wiba Anung has a strong commitment to Indigenous food sovereignty to enhance the health and wellness of Tribal communities by promoting local Indigenous food producers, and vendors. We curated a set of food resource guides to share information on food access through community pantries, meal programs, food producers, and independent vendors.
Media Coverage
“Michigan’s Indigenous children receive culturally sensitive nutrition education through new program” in Second Wave, Michigan, January 18, 2024.
https://www.secondwavemedia.com/features/13moons01182024.aspx.
“’Food Fight!’ breaks out at MSU Museum” in WKAR Public Media, January 18, 2024.
https://www.wkar.org/wkar-news/2024-01-18/food-fight-breaks-out-at-msu-museum.
“MSU Museum’s ‘Food Fight!’ exhibit brings unique meaning to dinner table discussion” in The State News, January 12, 2024.
https://statenews.com/article/2024/01/a-new-exhibition-at-the-msu-museum-brings-a-unique-meaning-to-dinner-table-discussion.
“New MSU Museum exhibition uncovers the complex dynamics that shape our food system” in MSU Museum News, January 5, 2024.
https://museum.msu.edu/new-msu-museum-exhibition-uncovers-the-complex-dynamics-that-shape-our-food-system/.