November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native peoples across the United States. The celebration traces its roots to the early 20th century, when Dr. Arthur C. Parker, a Seneca historian, advocated for national recognition. In 1990, it was officially designated, establishing an annual opportunity to honor the resilience and enduring presence of Indigenous communities. This month reminds us of the importance of preserving and honoring culture through Ethical Storytelling, dialogue, and community connection. Culture comes alive through story, tradition, and relationships, reflecting the same values that guide our work in Expanded Learning.

Through the Ecosystem Plan’s strategic design process, CAN is working alongside leaders and trusted messengers from across California who bring diverse perspectives, program models, and lived experiences from the youth-serving ecosystem. Together, we are shaping a plan rooted in community, healing, and opportunity, reflecting the principles of reciprocity and collective care that have long been central to Indigenous traditions. With the Ecosystem Advisory Team now mobilized following our October 16th convening, we look forward to building a plan that envisions an Expanded Learning ecosystem where every voice contributes to collective growth.

Uplifting and amplifying the stories of your community goes beyond the Ecosystem Plan. There are many ways to share the work happening in your own programs, such as through initiatives like the Data Snacks. This month, we invite you to reflect on your role as an Ethical Storyteller in youth development and to focus on sharing stories with communities rather than about them.

You can use the questions below to guide your thinking and brainstorm a listening campaign to capture stories of impact:

• How have I approached storytelling in my work, and how might I make it more ethical and community-centered?
• In what ways can I center authentic voices and honor cultural boundaries when sharing stories?
• What steps can I take to ensure that the stories I share are told with care, consent, and accuracy?

​Stay tuned to learn more about the Ecosystem Advisory Team and the implementation of their statewide listening strategy.