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Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA) 
August Bulletin

In this issue

• ICWA Case to be heard by Supreme Court in November 2022
• Expand your knowledge on Indian Child Welfare
• ICWA Warrior Spotlight: Shuína Skó – Kayce Womack & Geneia Maupin
• 2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference
• ICWA Bi-Annuals
• Still Opportunity to View the 2022 ORICWA Mini-Series
• Tribal Affairs OWL page

ICWA Case to be heard by Supreme Court in November 2022

Over 40 years ago, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was passed to prevent decades of injustice in separating Tribal families. This November, the constitutionality of ICWA will be questioned before the Supreme Court. Should the Supreme Court rule in favor of ICWA opponents, this will have severe ramifications within Indian Country. The ICWA protections provided to Tribal children could disappear and Tribal sovereignty will go unrecognized. This will unravel the progress we’ve made in this country in upholding the government to government relationships with Tribal nations. The Protect ICWA Campaign is looking for your support to prevent this from happening. 3 Steps You Can Take Today to Stay Informed: Sign up for the Protect ICWA newsletter Follow @protecticwa on Instagram Follow @protecticwa on Twitter

Expand your knowledge on Indian Child Welfare

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) requires states and courts to protect the best interest of Indian children by keeping their connections to family, community, and culture intact. ICWA compliance is mandatory, yet many state and court systems struggle to understand and effectively meet its requirements.

Explore the following resources to deepen your ICWA understanding: National Child Welfare Workforce Institute (MCWWI): American Indian/Alaska Natives

After you read the article, connect and discuss with your co-workers, Supervisors, Manager or member of Tribal Affairs. Consider these questions to get the conversation started:

• Was there new or surprising information?
• What practice changes could we implement for how we engage in conversations with families about the American Indian/Alaskan Native ancestry?
• How can we support these practice changes?
• How will you expand your knowledge on the history of Tribal Nations, ICWA/ORICWA or current events that are impacting the sovereignty of Tribal Nations?
• Expand your knowledge on the history of Tribal nations and the sovereignty of Tribal nations

ICWA Warrior Spotlight: Shuína Skó – Kayce Womack & Geneia Maupin

An ICWA Warrior is a Child Welfare staff member, Tribal partner and/or community partner who is a staunch advocate of ICWA/ORIWA and exemplifies the spirit of ICWA through their diligent work and practice. Congratulations to Shuína Skó – Kayce Womack & Geneia Maupin for being this month's ICWA Warriors.

Shuína Skó – Kayce Womack

Kayce is selfless in her service to Tribes, ODHS and families. She gives so much of herself through her art, words and lived experience and has an amazing gift for opening hearts and minds to the purpose of the ICWA. Kayce's passion, advocacy and genuine dedication radiate off her. She is a true champion for Tribal children and families.  – Marty Schroeder, Regional ICWA Specialist Klamath & Lake Counties.

Geneia Maupin Geneia Maupin is the Child Welfare Program Manager for District 11 and is a true warrior for the ICWA/ORICWA. Through her leadership and approachability, she has strengthened tribal-state relationships and taken active efforts to create change within the district to improve the quality of service to families. She inspires employees to be better and leads by her amazing example. She takes action to improve outcomes for Tribal children and families. – Marty Schroeder, Regional ICWA Specialist Klamath & Lake Counties.

If you have witnessed a co-worker, partner or colleague exemplifying an ICWA Warrior, share their stories with us.

2022 Tribal-State ICWA Conference

The Office of Tribal Affairs is excited to invite you to the 2022 virtual Tribal/State ICWA Conference on Oct.25-27. This year’s theme is “We are the Drop, Not the Ripple” emphasizes we empower ourselves to take personal responsibility for our actions – or lack of action – knowing it will affect others now and for generations to come. Let us be curious about the beauty of Tribal culture and supportive of that which supports the continuation of it 2022 Tribal-State Conference Page

ICWA Bi-Annuals

Open to all staff! These quarterly gatherings are an opportunity to address regional issues, share best practices and strengthen partnership with Oregon Tribal Partners.

These will occur via Zoom or in person as safely allowed.

Please visit the Tribal Affairs OWL page for dates, times and additional information.

Still Opportunity to View the 2022 ORICWA Mini-Series

This series helps explain the new Senate Bill 562 revisions to ORICWA and the changes to the ICWA Oregon Administrative Rule. The ORICWA Mini-Series offers easy-to-understand information on how to strengthen Indian Child Welfare practice and embody the spirit of ORICWA. This mandatory training must be completed by all Child Welfare PEM-Cs, SSS1s and SSS2s.

Visit the Tribal Affairs OWL page for additional information.

Tribal Affairs OWL page

Visit the Tribal Affairs OWL page to find the most updated Oregon Tribal contacts and ICWA agents for federally recognized Tribal Nations. You will also find additional resources, educational videos and so much more. Bookmark or click "Follow" at the top right of the contacts page for easy access.

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