Estuce Fest gives babies a healthy start

Written By: Shayln Proctor

(OKMULGEE, Okla.) On Sep. 19 first-time parents will be able to get support at the 2025 Estuce Fest’s “Time for Tea for Parents-To-Be,” set to take place at the First Baptist Church. Parents of newborns and infants up to 12 months can participate in learning sessions, father’s panel discussions, family resources booths, and more. The event is scheduled for 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. and doors will open at 5:30 p.m. 

Read this story on Mvskoke Media here.

Registration is due on Aug. 29 and each participant will be allowed to bring one guest.

“This annual gathering is organized by TCYC (Tribal Coalition), a collaboration of MCN tribal and health programs dedicated to providing essential baby supplies, resources, and support for expecting and new families who are Mvskoke citizens with infants up to twelve months old,” said Cassandra Thompson (Mvskoke) and Estuce Fest Chairperson. 

“Designed like a community baby shower, this event aims to ensure that babies have a healthy start by offering items such as diapers and strollers. It also provides valuable information on parenting, health, financial management, and connects families with support networks and additional resources.” 

The resource booths scheduled for the event involve support and service to new parents. MCN programs presented at this event will speak to health and wellness safety, early childhood development, hands on demonstrations, educational materials, and one on one guidance.

First time parents participating in an activity from 2024 lEstuce Fest. (Photo Courtesy: Mvskoke Nation Youth Services FB)

According to Thompson, they will have MCN public health nurses to speak about topics such as baby care, choking prevention, bathing, swaddling and CPR. Other programs will show parents how to create schedules, manage finances, and improve home safety. Thompson said, “Tribal Fire Marshal will present on home and fire safety, while the Center for Victim Services will discuss healthy relationships.”

In addition to panels and resource booths, the event will also have cultural presentations where the parents will be able to learn new phrases to share with their babies. The Mvskoke Language Preservation Program and NYCP will even be creating a baby book. The parents that attended will receive gifts including new car seats and a diaper bag filled with baby essentials. The Native Youth Community Project (NYCP) will be giving the parents a baby journal for the first five years. 

“We are excited to introduce a Father Panel during our breakout sessions. Fathers from the community will share their experiences, discuss challenges, and offer insights on how to support mothers and babies. Our health professionals will address mental health, postpartum depression, the “purple cry,” and safe sleep practices. 

Thompson is full of gratitude to the programs, employees, and health professionals who were able to help make this event happen, and for the opportunity to collaborate with individuals who are dedicated and passionate for children and youth.

“Our goal is to ensure that new parents and their infants not only receive essential items but also gain knowledge to support their new family in various aspects of life. Our committee has thoughtfully considered the challenges that new parents may face and views this event as an opportunity to educate, assist, and provide resources as they embark on their parenting journey.”