Celebrating the opening of Indigenous early years playroom
August 31, 2026
This summer, Northumberland County, an OMERS employer, celebrated the opening of the Inaate'abiwin Playroom alongside partners, staff, community members, and families. Created by Northumberland County’s Early Years Services and Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child and Family Services (DBCFS), the playroom will be dedicated to Indigenous early years learning, cultural connection and family engagement.
The playroom’s opening celebration took place on June 19, with special reference to National Indigenous Peoples Day, which was to take place two days later. It included songs, drumming, cultural teachings, and remarks from community partners. Elder and Knowledge Keeper Mary Ann Spencer shared teachings and songs, honouring the occasion’s significance and the importance of cultural connection in the early years. Alongside her, Tim Smoke, Cultural Resource Advisor with DBCFS and member of Alderville First Nation, taught guests the meaning of the Anishinaabemowin name Inaate’abiwin (pronounced in-awe-tay-awe-buh-win).
“Today was an important event in our ongoing commitment to building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations,” said Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “The Inaate’abiwin Playroom is a welcoming space where children and families from across the community can connect, learn, and explore together. We are grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life and for the guidance shared.”
In addition to early years programming, the Inaate’abiwin Playroom will serve as a gathering space for children to explore, allowing families to build new relationships and community connections to flourish.
“This space was created with Indigenous children and families at its heart,” said Amber Crowe, Executive Director of DBCFS. “Inaate’abiwin provides opportunities for families to explore, connect, and grow together in a space that feels like home.”
The Inaate’abiwin Playroom is located in the Cobourg EarlyON Child and Family Centre, which offers free programs and services for parents, caregivers, and children from birth to six years.
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