INDIGENOUS FAMILY, FRIEND, AND NEIGHBOR NETWORK
Empowering Indigenous Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers with tools, culture, and community — so every child in their care grows up rooted and strong.
The Challenge
Indigenous families have always cared for each other's children.
Grandparents, aunties, uncles, neighbors — these informal Indigenous childcare providers love deeply. But without access to culturally relevant training or resources, they can feel isolated and unsupported.
And communities risk losing cultural continuity in early childhood care.
That's where FFN comes in.
The Indigenous Family, Friend, and Neighbor Network (FFN) is Minnesota's Indigenous childcare network supporting essential caregivers through culturally grounded outreach, training, and resources.
We bring tribal nation childcare provider training to Minnesota communities — meeting FFNs where they are across Minneapolis/St. Paul, Duluth, and all 11 tribal nations — offering:
Culturally responsive training in health, safety, child development, and school readiness.
Indigenous learning kits with books, games, and language resources.
Mini-grants up to $1,200 for Indigenous family, friend, and neighbor providers — so caregivers can invest in what they truly need.
Coaching and advocacy for those exploring licensure—without judgment or pressure.
Networking and peer support through meetings, events, and social gatherings.
Our Solution
The Impact
FFN providers leave with more than resources; they gain confidence, connection, and recognition for the vital role they play in Indigenous early childhood care.
Tools to provide safe, nurturing, culturally rich care.
A stronger sense of belonging and pride as Indigenous community caregivers.
Access to funding and materials that directly benefit the children they serve.
A supportive network of Indigenous caregivers walking the same journey.
When FFN providers thrive, children do too. And when children thrive, the entire Indigenous community is strengthened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Indigenous FFN childcare provider support in Minnesota.
MN Indigenous FFN Member Map
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These are providers who are not licensed and care for children while their parents are working or attending school. They may be aunties, uncles, grandparents, family friends, or neighbors. They have no legal obligation to the children, but provide care out of love. They can be paid or unpaid, but they cannot live full-time with the children they care for.
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We serve indigenous FFN unlicensed providers in Minnesota; specifically in the urban communities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth; as well as rural areas such as all 11 tribes of Minnesota. If there is another FFN Program that may best serve you; We can point you in the right direction.
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All Nations Rise provides outreach, training, and culturally responsive resources to support Indigenous Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) child care providers. Our goal is to help caregivers strengthen the health, safety, literacy, social–emotional growth, school readiness, and cultural identity of the children in their care.
We also serve as advocates and navigators for those interested in becoming legally unlicensed or licensed providers, offering guidance without pressure. FFNs are invited to connect with peers through regular meetings, social events, and networking opportunities, creating a community of support. In addition, we partner with agencies that share similar goals to expand access to services that benefit both children and caregivers.
Mini-Grants & Resources
Through our FFN Member Portal, providers can apply for mini-grants, participate in training, and access helpful resources. Becoming a member is simple—just complete the short FFN survey, and you’ll receive details on required training as well as a link to the mini-grant application and budget. -
Please call Jonee Vance, FFN Coordinator, at 763-923-5997 or email joneevance@allnationsrise.com.
Funded by a grant from: Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Learn More
Everything you need to get started with the Indigenous FFN childcare provider network.
GET INVOLVED
Caring for Those Who
Care for Our Children
The Family, Friend, and Neighbor Network is the heartbeat of Indigenous childcare. Whether you're a caregiver, donor, or partner, you can help ensure our youngest relatives grow up surrounded by love, tradition, and opportunity.
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