Letitia A. Woytkiw: Rooted in tradition, growing with innovation
Graduating from the Early Childhood Education program at the College of New Caledonia in 2017 and receiving a PM Award in 2025, Letitia’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring! As a First Nation ECE, she combines Tse’khene knowledge, language and traditions with modern early learning practices to ensure First Nation children have access to high-quality and culturally relevant care.
“Letitia is not just an educator; she is a cultural ambassador, a role model, and a leader who nurtures our youngest community members with unwavering care and compassion. Her approach goes far beyond conventional teaching, as she weaves Indigenous traditions, language, and values into her classroom… Her tireless efforts have revitalized the importance of early learning in our community” – Chief Harley Chingee
Letitia is an innovative and compassionate early childhood educator who has redefined what high-quality early learning looks like within an Indigenous context. She combines knowledge, language, and cultural traditions with modern early learning practices to create a program that prepares children academically while fostering a deep connection to their heritage. Through Letitia’s leadership, the daycare has become a model of cultural celebration, showing how early childhood education can inspire children, families, and the entire community.
Philosophy of care
Letitia brings warmth and care to everything she does. She includes Indigenous culture into daily routines in ways that nurture children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Her classrooms are safe, joyful spaces where children feel seen, valued, and connected to who they are. Letitia also prioritizes building strong relationships with families and the broader community, recognizing that a child’s development flourishes in connection.
Support of child development
- Leads the year-long “Journey Through the Seasons” program, tying seasonal changes to cultural teachings such as winter storytelling with Elders, planting in spring, and harvesting in autumn
- Incorporates the Tse’khene language daily through songs and storytelling, strengthening language revitalization and cultural pride
- Uses indoor and outdoor spaces as learning environments, from nature walks to science corners where children explore growth cycles and properties of water
- Creates “Discovery Bins” tailored to individual interests and developmental stage, from construction-themed blocks and blueprints to nature kits with magnifying glasses
- Promotes emotional literacy with activities like the “Feelings Circle,” encouraging children to identify emotions in a safe space
- Provides sensory-rich learning through the “Sensory Garden” and “Sound Garden,” supporting emotional regulation and sparking creativity
Involvement with parents, families, and the community
- Hosts Family Heritage Days where parents and Elders share practices, crafts, stories, and traditional foods, fostering intergenerational learning experiences
- Creates take-home activity kits linked to classroom learning, such as seeds and soil for planting traditional herbs
- Organizes seasonal gatherings such as the Annual Winter Feast and Summer Celebration with families, strengthening community spirit
Proof that passion and embracing your Indigenous culture and traditions can take you far. 
Inspired? 
https://www.canada.ca/…/early-childhood-education.html
If you want to make a difference like Letitia in the Indigenous child care sector, explore: https://www.canada.ca/…/indigenous…/2018-framework.html