MISSION — For the first time, Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes have a formal role in shaping a statewide early learning system designed specifically for Native children and families.
The Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance (OTELA) held its first meeting on
March 24, launching a collaborative effort to guide early childhood education and care programs across the state.
OTELA and the Tribal Early Learning Plan and Fund (TELP/F) were created through House Bill 2815, which went into effect Jan. 1. The bill requires the Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC), in consultation with the state’s nine federally recognized tribes, to develop and implement a statewide early learning and care plan for Native American or Alaska Native children ages 8 or younger.
The DELC works to support coordinated, culturally appropriate and family-centered early learning services that recognize and respect the strengths and needs of all children, families and early childhood professionals.
The TELP is a statewide strategic framework developed in consultation with Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes and in partnership with the DELC Office of Tribal Affairs. The plan outlines strategies to support tribal children from birth through age 8 while guiding the state’s early learning efforts in a way that respects tribal sovereignty and responds to community needs.
Oregon’s nine federally recognized tribes are the Burns Paiute Tribe; Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde; Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians; Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Coquille Indian Tribe; Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians; the Klamath Tribes and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).
CTUIR Education Director Jaimie Crane and Early Childhood Services Program Manager Jory Spencer were appointed to OTELA retroactively, effective Jan. 1. In November 2025, the CTUIR Board of Trustees (BOT) approved a motion to appoint the two to OTELA after receiving a letter requesting the appointments of two representatives.
“I think the appointment combinations of the department director and program manager is a smart approach,” Crane said. “ As Education director, I bring a broad strategic understanding of tribal education priorities, workforce needs and long-term planning, and can ensure that early learning decisions align with the tribe’s overall education goals.”
Crane said Spencer has a hands-on knowledge of effective early learning programs and understands the realities of students, staff, families and direct-service delivery.
“This hybrid representation will better ensure OTELA’s final recommendations are grounded, practical and workable,” she said.
The two members attend and participate in the 90-minute meetings every other month. Meetings are held virtually with in-person meetings in Salem when needed, Crane added.
They provide recommendations on funds distribution for tribal technical assistance, professional development, infrastructure support and the support of tribal children families and caregivers, while also providing input on the delivery of cultural and linguistically-responsive early learning services.
Crane said the goals for being on the OTELA align with ensuring programs and funding reflect the tribal values, languages and community-identified needs.
She said it was important for the tribes to be represented at this level, referencing the OTELA’s guiding principles for Tribal Early Learning and Care, including the protection and sovereignty and self-determination, community resilience, improved outcomes for children and families, correcting historical inequities, building community trust, partnership and participation and accountability.
