Week of the Young Child at Creation Safari Wildlife Park in Ottawa County Oklahoma

Ottawa County Families Celebrate Week of the Young Child with Intertribal Event at Creation Safari Wildlife Park

WYANDOTTE, Okla. — Families from across Ottawa County gathered for the annual Week of the Young Child celebration at Creation Safari Wildlife Park, marking the second consecutive year the intertribal event has been hosted at the family-friendly venue.

The event brought together tribal programs, early childhood specialists, and community partners to provide resources, education, and hands-on activities designed to support young children and their families in northeast Oklahoma.

What is the Week of the Young Child?

The Week of the Young Child is a nationwide initiative led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It focuses on early learning, family engagement, and the importance of community support during the critical developmental years from birth through age 8.

The celebration highlights daily themes such as music, nutrition, creativity, and family involvement, encouraging communities to invest in the well-being and development of children.

Intertribal Collaboration Serving Ottawa County

The Ottawa County event emphasized collaboration among multiple tribal nations and service providers. Programs present included Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) services and Indian Child Welfare (ICW) representatives.

The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), administered through tribal governments, provides financial assistance to eligible families for childcare, supporting working parents and promoting school readiness. More information can be found through the U.S. Office of Child Care.

Indian Child Welfare (ICW) programs operate under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a law designed to protect the best interests of Native children and preserve tribal families and cultural connections. ICW programs work to support family stability, prevent unnecessary removal, and ensure culturally appropriate services.

Additional participation from tribal partners, including the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, highlighted the importance of locally driven solutions and culturally informed care.

Reducing Barriers for Families

In a significant effort to increase accessibility, the Wyandotte organizing group announced that it covered the cost of park admission for parents attending the event.

This approach reflects a broader understanding among organizers that cost, transportation, and awareness can create barriers for families seeking support services — particularly in rural and tribal communities.

By removing admission costs, the event allowed more families to participate fully in both the educational and recreational aspects of the day.

A Unique Setting for Engagement

Hosted at Creation Safari Wildlife Park, the event blended access to services with a relaxed outdoor environment. Children were able to engage with animals and participate in activities while parents connected directly with providers.

The park’s safari adventure ride was also available during the event, with seating limited to approximately 28 passengers per trip, offered as space allowed.

The venue’s owner expressed appreciation for hosting the event, stating, “We love being able to do this for the children.”

Voices from Tribal Leadership

Dian Randal, director of the 477 program with the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, emphasized the importance of bringing services directly to families in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Events like this, she noted, not only connect families with essential resources but also strengthen relationships between tribal programs and the communities they serve.

Strengthening the Future Through Early Childhood Investment

Early childhood development remains a critical focus for tribal nations and local communities alike. Research consistently shows that investment in early education and family support leads to improved long-term outcomes in health, education, and economic stability.

By combining intertribal cooperation, accessible services, and family-centered environments, Ottawa County’s Week of the Young Child celebration continues to grow as a model for community-based support.

As participation increases each year, organizers hope to expand outreach efforts and continue building strong foundations for the next generation.