Veronica Sisson
Previous Degrees Obtained
Kent State University, Ed Studies, Cultural Anthropology; Prescott College, MAED, Holistic ECE
Research Topic
Exploring the impact of the loss of the Mother Tongue, and its impact on the Environment; using micro case studies of Finland, Wales, Indigenous N.America and the Maasai Mara.
From my interest to decolonize early childhood care and education, I began considering the impact of the loss of the Mother Tongue, and its impact on the developing child. Through this research and discovering UNESCO’s Decade of Language Revitalization, I began considering the impact of language on place. Wanting to not be in an educational silo, I believe its critical to understand, the whole impact of the loss of Indigenous Languages.When we lose language of place, or the mother tongue, we lose those lessons, words, and culture that help communities sustain environmental health and well being. We are all one.
Q&A
I was inspired by the staff, community and scholarship as I was completing my Masters.
My emphasis is on the Use of the Mother Tongue among Indigenous communities, and the stories of the environment and how this relationship fosters health and well being in individuals as well as communities and the environment they call home.
The challenge, the structure, and the grace given by the staff.
Staying on track; I work full time, and have had a host of life events that could have derailed me. I’ve made a commitment to myself, that I deserve this, that indeed, I do have something to say, and I can do hard things. I grew up in an environment where going to college was not an option, and if I did make it … I had limited opportunities. That was in the 60s and 70s. I’ve raised five children as a single mother, and when my last was out of my home, I decided to pursue my best life. Claiming that its My choice, to make those decisions. I am now living my best life, with focus, and a passion, I’ve always known was simmering just below the surface!
I’ve worked in behavior health, in non profit administration and reluctantly became a kindergarten teacher. I am a reluctant teacher, and I’ve fallen in love over and over again, in this past decade with the magic of the small inquisitive child, and their families. I actually looking at “early retirement” and not teaching in early childhood education, and hope to pursue a position teaching new teachers, to support my quest to decolonize early childhood education.
I dabble in art; have been intentionally creating regenerative gardening in my urban back yard; travel to any beach; belly laughing with my family.
Follow your heart, be flexible, and accept the tenet of radical grace practiced by many of the staff. Believe you can do it … Know you can do it … and hold your nose, to dive right in!