Pictured above: OTELA members, DELC staff, and contractors from Northwest Native Chamber and First Children’s Finance who support DELC’s work with Tribal Nations
The Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) was honored to host members of the Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) for the committee’s first in-person gathering on July 28, 2026. Held at the DELC Office in Salem, the meeting marked an important milestone in advancing collaborative, sovereignty‑centered early learning efforts across the state.
About OTELA
House Bill 2815 (2025) created OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund (TELP/F), codified in ORS 417.831. OTELA is the formal advisory committee established by DELC to guide the development and implementation of the TELP/F. The Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund is a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American and Alaska Native children, ages birth to eight, who are enrolled in early childhood care or education programs.
OTELA is responsible for advising DELC on the development and implementation of the Tribal Early Learning Plan; recommending the distribution of funds; and providing input on the delivery of culturally and linguistically responsive early learning services.
Pictured above: OTELA members and NWNC staff take notes during the work session.
OTELA Work Session
OTELA’s gathering featured an interactive, hands-on activity designed to gather input from the Tribes. Members of the committee were asked for their perspective and feedback on how best to structure the first draft of the Tribal Early Learning Plan. The group considered the provider and educator voice, goals of the Plan, and more.
Dana Castano (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), DELC’s OTELA Liaison, shared her perspective of the value of this work session.
“This brainstorming session created continued momentum for the committee’s long‑term work, while ensuring alignment with Tribal priorities. We have eagerly anticipated gathering everyone together face-to-face to discuss this important work. The impact of shared voices and spending time learning with one another is something we deeply value.”
Some of the OTELA members shared their thoughts on the visit as well.
Julie Siestreem, Hanis Coos, Tribal Council Position #3, Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians expressed that “It was an honor and a luxury to meet with everyone in person to reaffirm our commitment to doing the best we can to meet the educational needs of all our children.”
Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians’ Tribal representative, Jesse Jackson, who serves as the Tribe’s Education Programs Officer, shared that “It was encouraging to hear how each Tribe is incorporating its own culture, language, and values into early learning while recognizing that we share many of the same goals and challenges.”
It was an honor to join OTELA in person to see the impact of each member’s contribution in creating strong foundations for the longevity of the work ahead,” said Carey McCann, DELC Director of Policy and Strategy, “I am inspired by the thoughtfulness and care shaping the vision and mission. Together, this work centers the health and well-being of Tribal nations for current and future generations of families and young children.”
Collaboration
“We were blessed with two different sets of guest speakers” shared Julie Siestreem.
In addition to OTELA members, attendees included representatives from the Child Care Infrastructure Fund Technical Assistance team at Northwest Native Chamber, as well as First Children’s Finance.
First Children’s Finance is supported through DELC’s Preschool Development Grant to engage Tribal Nations in creating a Tribal Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) access pathway. Jannan Cotto (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) serves as Systems Coordinator/Ekinoonad (the one who guides) at First Children’s Finance and is leading the project, which aims to make ERDC, the state’s child care subsidy, more accessible to Tribal Nations, providers on Tribal land, and Tribal families. “It was fantastic to see participants spend time building a shared vision and mission for OTELA while advancing Oregon’s Tribal Early Learning Plan. Investing in that kind of foundation-building creates stronger partnerships.” Jannan said. “The care and intentionality with which DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs convened these collaborations helped create an environment where authentic partnership can grow.”
Pictured above: Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians OTELA Representative and member, Sonya Moody-Jurado, and OHA Representative Angie Butler (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians) review and provide feedback during the meeting’s activity.
“What felt especially meaningful was seeing the intention behind how people were brought together,” said Amber Faist (Coquille) of Northwest Native Chamber, Chief Programs Officer. “We know from our own work that gathering people in the right way matters. Making space for people to share what they know, learn from one another, and build relationships across experiences is often where the most important work begins.”
DELC looks forward to continued partnership with OTELA, supporting the committee’s efforts and expanding Tribes’ access to DELC programs, services, and essential early childhood infrastructure.
Jemiah Wassman, Director of Education, Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, said “I’m hopeful OTELA can continue building those relationships into sustainable, dependable funding and systems that Tribes can rely on to create programs that serve our children and future generations.”
“[DELC’s Office of Tribal Affairs’] collaborative, relationship-centered approach honors Tribal sovereignty and helps ensure Tribal voices shape the direction of this work.” remarked Jannan Cotto.
The first in‑person gathering marks a meaningful step toward strengthened collaboration and a shared vision for Tribal early learning systems that honor sovereignty and meet the needs of children, families, and communities across Oregon.
“I am hopeful that OTELA will continue to create meaningful opportunities for Tribes to learn from one another and advocate collectively for Tribal early learning” remarked committee members Jesse Jackson, “I hope this work strengthens our ability to provide culturally responsive, family-centered programming that reflects our traditions and supports the long-term success of our children.”
The Office of Tribal Affairs at DELC will continue to provide support to implement the plan and fund. To read more about this work please visit Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) page of the DELC website. Tribal Sovereignty is one of six goals in DELC’s strategic plan. To learn more, visit the Growing Oregon Together page of the DELC website.
Pictured above: OTELA members, DELC staff, and partners from NWNC and FCF participate during the work session