After a pause during the pandemic, more than 500 early childhood professionals gathered once again for the Communities Collaborative Brain Development Conference in Mahnomen. With support from the Northwest Minnesota Foundation – a three-year $60,000 investment in partnership with the White Earth Tribal Nation through DEED Special Appropriation funding – this work continues to grow where it matters most
For NMF, the investment is about making sure early childhood professionals across the region have a place to come together, learn, and stay connected to their work.
A space that was missed
During the years the conference did not take place, providers continued to show up for children and families every day. But many did so without the same opportunities to connect with peers, share ideas, or reflect on their work.
That kind of connection matters. The return of the conference has helped restore it.
Learning that sticks
Over the course of the three-day conference, participants explored topics that reflect the realities of their work.
Casey Gwinn, founder of the Alliance for Hope, spoke about the science of hope and how it can support children experiencing trauma.
Anton Treuer, Ojibwe professor, shared how cultural identity plays a role in building resilience and supporting healthy development.
Sessions also focused on mental health, stress, and the importance of caring for both children and the adults who support them. The content was practical, but it also gave participants space to think more deeply about their role and the impact of their work.
“It’s not just what you learn. It’s being in a room with people who understand the work.” —Tabi Steinmetz, Community Revitalization Program Officer, NMF.
What stood out most was not just what was presented, but what happened in between. People reconnected with colleagues. They shared experiences and ideas. Some came looking for tools. Others came needing encouragement.
Many left with both.
Being in a room with others who understand the work created a sense of shared purpose that is harder to find in day-to-day routines.
Carrying it back to their communities
Through its support, NMF is helping ensure this opportunity continues.
When the conference ends, its impact extends beyond Mahnomen. Hundreds of providers return to their communities with new tools, perspectives, and energy. These changes show up in classrooms, in child care homes, and in everyday moments with children and families. Early childhood professionals play an important role in communities across Northwest Minnesota. Creating space for them to learn, connect, and feel supported strengthens that work over time.
Through its partnership and investment, Northwest Minnesota Foundation is helping make sure those spaces continue to exist for the people who rely on them.
This year, the Brain Development Conference will be held August 12th -13th, with a preconference on August 11th at the Shooting Star Casino & Event Center, Mahnomen, MN.
