The KeepCHA Program stands for Keeping Curiosity and Hope Alive for Children Ages 0-5. The purpose of KeepCHA is to provide support for Native American families to utilize culturally relevant materials from Native American resources. For the past two years, Walking Shield has done research on best practices nationwide for raising Native American children from tribes and Native American organizations across the country.  

Within the first five years of a child’s life, 90% of their brain is already developed. The short-term goal of KeepCHA is to focus on the first five years of a child’s life as a critical time of development. The long-term goal of KeepCHA is to contribute to better outcomes for Native American people in the areas of education, health, employment opportunities, and connection to Native American lifeways and cultures. With culturally relevant resources focusing on respect for Earth, family, community, and self, KeepCHA seeks to create a legacy of hope for future generations.

For more information about this program, please visit THIS PAGE for downloadable resources.