Teaching Indigenous toddlers about the Spirit of the Sun

Toddlers gather in a circle at Four Mile Historic Park in Denver for afternoon story time. They’re reading “The Star People: A Lakota Story” by author and illustrator S.D. Nelson. Faces painted like their favorite animal relatives, the young ones bring the story to life with rapt attention and sweeping gestures.

This activity is part of the Indigenous Toddlers and Teachings Program (ITTP) hosted by Spirit of the Sun, an Indigenous womxn-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering Native communities. Spirit of the Sun’s diverse offerings include youth mentorship, healing foods programming, nature-based programming, community events and more.

ITTP is made possible by state funding from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program. Funding helped Spirit of the Sun cover costs for activities and transportation, while providing healthy snacks and copies of books for families to take home. The program began in 2023, as Spirit of the Sun director of operations Shaina Gonzales explains. 

“The Indigenous Toddlers and Teachings Program was created for Native children to build relationships and a sense of self, but also to connect with the natural world,” she said. “They build these relationships with plants, animals, insects and stars to learn that life is precious and it’s our responsibility to take care of the earth.” 

During summer programming at Four Mile Historic Park, toddlers had the opportunity to explore the mystic-inspired “Bright Nights” exhibit and say “hello” to farm animal relatives before ending the day with face painting and story time.

Keshaun Joseph sees the difference the program has made on his daughter Kora.

“I wanted to find ways to establish that connection with nature and expose my daughter to Indigenous teachings and diversity in general,” he said. “I truly love the fact that she's interested in connecting with nature and being outdoors. I've really seen her curiosity piqued.” 

As a parent and Spirit of the Sun youth program coordinator, Giselle Arroyo recognizes the impact of funding from the Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program.

“The Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program funding is essential to getting more youth outdoors. There are so many underserved and historically excluded communities that face barriers to getting outside. These programs change people's lives.”

Demand for Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program exceeds the available funding, leaving thousands of underserved and underrepresented youth and families without access to Colorado’s great outdoors. With more funding, organizations like Spirit of the Sun can help bring outdoor opportunities to more youth along Denver’s front range. 

Spirit of the Sun

For more information on Spirit of the Sun and their work to empower Native communities, visit https://www.spiritofthesun.org/.

Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program

Colorado’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program, established in 2021 and administered by Colorado Parks & Wildlife, invests in organizations that are increasing access to the outdoors for historically underserved youth and families. The program provides meaningful outdoor experiences to racially and ethnically diverse youth from low-income families, rural youth, LGBTQ+ youth, Native American youth and youth with disabilities through environmental education, experiential learning, stewardship programming and more.