Empowering Tribal children with culturally responsive services
Child care experts draw on lived experiences to deliver tailored training and technical assistance that honor Tribal sovereignty and cultural heritage
For over 25 years, ICF has delivered comprehensive training and technical assistance (TTA) to support child care systems that create positive outcomes for children and families across the nation. We strive to improve the quality of these services, promote best practices, and ensure programs are equipped to meet the diverse needs of the children and communities they serve.
However, some communities have distinct needs, especially Tribal communities, where sovereignty and cultural heritage are of utmost importance. Today, we provide over 260 Tribal grantees with tailored approaches and solutions that honor and integrate these critical aspects to ensure our support is both culturally responsive and effective.
Dr. Michelle Tsosie, PhD, and Mahala Gates are two of many staff dedicated to ensuring our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of Tribal communities. Their lived experiences, expertise, and commitment help us build strong, respectful partnerships and deliver support that truly makes a difference.
Integrating native language and culture in curricula
Michelle is a senior Tribal technical assistance specialist with nearly 25 years in the early childhood field. For three of those years, she provided TTA support to Region XI Head Start programs for ICF, which support federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native grantees. She also served in several other roles supporting Native American education and other initiatives before transitioning back to ICF this year.
An enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation and a descendant of the Seminole Tribe of Oklahoma and Mississippi Choctaw, Michelle currently provides TTA to the Tribal Child Care Capacity Building Center—a TTA center under the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care (OCC) that supports capacity building for Tribal grantees in areas such as leadership, financial management, emergency preparedness, health and safety, and more.
“I’m passionate about ensuring our Head Start and child care services appropriately integrate language and culture into early childhood curricula to provide Tribal children with the responsive and culturally relevant care they need and deserve.”
Reducing the administrative burden for Tribal grantees
Mahala is a is a descendant of the Nottoway people and brings a unique perspective to her role. A Tribal early childhood systems manager with a background in social justice and teaching, Mahala has worked in various capacities, including as a Tribal liaison between state and Tribal capacity-building centers—a role that brought her to ICF. She also taught in a school district with a strong urban Native American community in Buffalo, New York, which has given her valuable insights into the challenges Tribal children face in the education system.
Mahala is currently working with OCC staff, along with key constituents, to refine guidelines for the Tribal Child Care Development Fund application, tracking, and reporting process to ensure requirements align with legal and regulatory standards and aren’t overly burdensome.
“My goal is to promote equity and lessen the burden on Tribes, allowing them to exercise their sovereignty and have ownership over their child care funding submissions and program success.”
Embracing differences
Reflecting on ICF’s culture and values, Michelle highlights the seamless integration and respect she experienced from the team when transitioning back to ICF, as well as our respect for diversity, equity, and inclusion and embrace of different cultures. She shares, "Being able to actively participate in Tribal ceremonies and cultural events is important to me. ICF provides the flexibility in my schedule and the support I need to do so, which I truly appreciate."
Mahala echoes these sentiments, emphasizing how ICF embraces differences and leverages diverse voices, particularly in Tribal work. She also values the opportunities we provide for professional growth and the supportive environment that respects and amplifies the voices of those who might not always be heard. She says, “ICF provides opportunities for individuals to find work they’re truly passionate about—a unique experience that a lot of people don't have. My manager provided me with an awesome and unique opportunity to transition from supporting states back to Tribal work, which is exactly where I belong.”
Both Michelle's and Mahala’s efforts are crucial in ensuring that Indigenous children receive the care and education they deserve, rooted in their cultural heritage. Their work not only supports the immediate needs of Tribal programs but also contributes to the long-term sustainability and success of these communities.
