November marks National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.  This month, we supported efforts to recognize the Nine Tribes of Oregon, our ODHS Native staff, and the ongoing work of our Tribal Affairs team.  The national observance reminds us of the cultural significance, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Native people.  Please take the time to learn about the Tribal communities near you.  Visit our ODHS Tribal Affairs page to learn more about the national observance.

Last month our Tribal/State ICWA Virtual conference was a success! The conference had record attendance and included regional luncheons organized across our state co-hosted by Oregon Tribes. These luncheons created opportunities for Tribal leaders, representatives, and front-line workers to engage with ODHS staff in their region.  I want to thank everyone who helped organize these lunches and thank everyone who participated.  My hope is that relationships established at these lunches will enhance the ongoing partnership with the Nine Tribes of Oregon.

I also want to thank those who attended this year’s virtual ICWA conference! To continue providing rich conference content we need your feedback.  You will find a survey link below.  Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience as the Office of Tribal Affairs prepares to plan next year’s conference and incorporate your feedback!

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 Chandra Awbry!

Chandra Awbrey is a permanency, ICWA Unit and Teen Unit supervisor. Chandra has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to enhancing her knowledge and understanding of ICWA/ORICWA to support case staffing with her workers. Chandra always makes herself available to work through difficult case issues to ensure our agency is offering the best service to Tribal families. Chandra has also implemented processes for ICWA cases which allow for weekly staffing and oversight to ensure the correct application of ICWA/ORICWA. She also ensures her workers are actively partnering and collaborating with the Tribe throughout the case. Chandra demonstrates her commitment to ICWA/ORICWA each day and encourages her workers to do the same. She is a true ICWA Warrior. – Marty Schroeder, Regional ICWA Specialist, Klamath/Lake Counties

On November 9^th, 2022 the United State Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the Brackeen v. Haaland case, which aims to overturn the historic federal law known as the Indian Child Welfare Act, or ICWA. You can listen to the oral argument recording by visiting the Supreme Court Website.

Most child welfare cases wrestle over issues of best interest and well-being, but the Supreme Court heard a legal challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act on three central constitutional questions. The questions challenge core aspects of Congressional power and the relationship between Tribes and the U.S. government.

 After you read the article, connect and discuss with your co-workers, supervisors, managers or member of Tribal Affairs. Consider these questions:

• Was there new or surprising information?
• What do you think should or will happen in this case?
• Do you believe keeping children connected with their family and Tribal community has a positive impact on their development? Why or Why not?
• 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?

Get involved and learn how you can protect ICWA by visiting the Protect ICWA resource page.

Also visit our recent 2022 Tribal/State ICWA Conference Hub to download presentations and watch the video sessions on-demand.