Diversity and Inclusion: Ethical Obligations
In this month's issue, we continue the call for reimagining the Role of the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) in British Columbia put forth by the Early Childhood Educators of BC (ECEBC) and extend the conversation in our work that responds to diverse contexts, communities and settings. As witnessed in the tragic and violent events unfolding in Israel and Gaza since October 7, 2023, the world is a rapidly changing place. What conditions and dispositions do educators need to cultivate to meet the realities, complexities and inequities in the lives of children and families?

This invitation to think with ECEBC’s position paper on the role of the educator in B.C. is a direct response to current events in the world. All of us at the ECPN express profound sadness at the violence and loss of lives in Israel and Gaza. We condemn the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Semitism and will continue to work in ways that actively and overtly oppose racism and all forms of oppression.

In this issue, we are also responding to troubling events in our own province.

In Issue #9 of the Here and Now, the ECPN reflects on Elder Pointe's words during the Early Childhood Educators of British Columbia (ECEBCs) conference in May. The ECPN takes seriously pedagogists' and educators' roles in creating spaces where children can flourish and a curriculum is fostered that can respond to the worlds that children inhabit. This issue also recognizes Pride Month and emphasizes the need for early childhood centers to celebrate diversity in sexuality and gender identity, thereby challenging heteronormative discourses. June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the ECPN celebrates the work of our sister Network, The First Nations Pedagogies Network (FNPN) and the work of The Métis Nation of BC.