pamināwasowin Child Care Celebrates Children as Competent Artists

Long before paper and crayons, our ancestors were artists. Indigenous peoples used art to tell stories, record history, pass down teachings, and express their connection to the land and Creator. Art was never separated from everyday life—it was woven into ceremony, clothing, tools, and community. We celebrate by respecting our children as competent artists who carry forward this tradition of creative expression.

Just as our ancestors created in nature, we take art outside whenever we can. Painting under the open sky, children experience art the way it was meant to be—connected to the earth, the weather, and the natural world around them. The outdoor classroom offers endless inspiration: the colours of the sky, the textures of bark and leaves, the feeling of wind while they paint. This connection to place deepens their artistic experience and honours traditional ways of learning.

Cognitive Development: As our children plan their artwork, make choices about colours and materials, and solve creative problems, they are building critical thinking skills. They learn about cause and effect—what happens when colours mix or when they press harder with a crayon. Art encourages them to experiment, observe, and draw conclusions.

Physical Development: Painting, cutting, gluing, and molding clay strengthen fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The controlled movements required in art activities build the small muscle strength and dexterity children need for writing, buttoning, and other daily tasks.

Social-Emotional Development: Art provides a safe outlet for expressing feelings and ideas. Children build self-confidence as they make independent decisions and see their creations valued. When they create alongside their peers, they learn to share materials, appreciate different perspectives, and develop empathy.

Language Development: Art sparks child-led conversations. Children describe their process, explain their choices, and tell stories about their work. This vocabulary building strengthens their communication skills.

Through their art, children honour the artistic legacy of our ancestors while building skills for their future.

Submission: Sheila Pelletier, Director, pamināwasowin Child Care Centre