|
Recently, Abigail Echo-Hawk, Director, Urban Indian Health Institute, was interviewed by Business Insider over the potential impact that overturning Roe vs. Wade might have on American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
"Access to safe and legal abortion is absolutely essential," she asserts in the article. Her statement carries significant weight against the backdrop of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People crisis as American Indian and Alaska Native women experience the highest rates of sexual violence and homicide in the United States.
Read More
Fort Nisqually’s Puget Sound Treaty War Panel, has been selected as a 2022 Award of Excellence winner by the Leadership in History awards committee of the American Association for State and Local History.
Congratulations go to Elizabeth Rudrud for her major role in coordinating the panel series, which can still be viewed on the Fort Nisqually YouTube Channel.
Read More
 Third Annual Virtual Indigenous Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) Conference is Aug. 10 through 11, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST. The event is free. Email dcyf.tribalrelations@dcyf.wa.gov for additional language options.
Foster care has been around since the early 1900s, but Cherokee people have provided a tribal version of foster care for much longer. Historically, Cherokee children were raised in a community setting, with every person in the child's life taking on a specific role to ensure that they grew into a well-rounded Cherokee.
To better support foster families and children, the Cherokee Nation announces two new initiatives funded through the tribe’s Recover and Rebuild COVID-19 relief initiative.
The Fostering HOPE pilot program, which begins June 1, provides a $500 monthly stipend to eligible Cherokee Nation citizens who are aging out of the Cherokee Nation or state of Oklahoma foster care systems. The Cherokee Nation’s other new foster care initiative is a one-time COVID-19 impact payment of $1,000 to the tribe’s current foster families.
Read More
On Sunday, May 8 the Mariners, DCYF, and over 2,000 guests celebrated foster and kinship families at We Are Family Day. The child welfare community brought enthusiasm, games, gifts, and their talents to reflect back to foster and kinship families the hope and love they share with children and youth experiencing foster care and their families.
During their keynote address, DCYF's Asst. Secretary Steven Grilli and his son, Maurice Farmer, shared their family’s adoption story and ways they changed each other’s lives. Legislative Representative Alicia Rule was the event’s Master of Ceremonies and DCYF's Director of Government Affairs Allison Krutsinger welcomed guests and introduced Rep. Rule.
Read More.
STEM Pathway Camp 2022
June 27-30, 2022 | Clark College, Vancouver, Wash. | 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. PST | Register Here
High school students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) should attend. The camp is free to attend.
 The STEM Pathway Camp is June 27 through June 30 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Clark College Main Campus in Vancouver, Wash.
Reimagining Treatment Success
Are you a young person with ideas on ways to shape Substance Abuse Disorder services? If you are, the Washington State Health Care Authority + Do Big Good want to partner with you.
The HCA is looking for youth and young adults (ages 13-24) to participate in a co-design project to re-imagine access to substance use disorder treatment. Participants are invited to attend a virtual co-design workshop this summer and share their experiences and requests for change. There is a $75 stipend per session. Attend as many sessions are you’d like.
For more information, email Kayla at kayla@dobiggood.com or Amanda at amanda.lewis@hca.wa.gov.
 The Washington State Health Care Authority + Do Big Good want to partner with yout and young adults who are 13 to 24 years old and hvae experienced accessing or receiving Substance Use Disorder services in Washington State. Email Kayla at kayla@dobiggood.com for more information.
Farm to School Purchasing Grant
Applications due July 11, 2022 by 4 p.m. | Apply Here
The Washington State Legislature provided $5 million in the 2021-23 state budget to make grants and expand the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) Farm to School program. Grants are available to schools, child care centers, and summer meal program operators for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods in child nutrition programs. This is a competitive reimbursement grant.
Tribal schools, Tribal early learning centers, and active sponsors of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP - childcare) are eligible to apply. The Farm to School Purchasing Grant is administered in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
Reimagining Treatment Success
Are you a young person with ideas on ways to shape Substance Abuse Disorder services? If you are, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) + Do Big Good want to partner with you.
The HCA is looking for youth and young adults (ages 13 to 24) to participate in a co-design project to re-imagine access to substance use disorder treatment. Participants are invited to attend a virtual co-design workshop this summer and share their experiences and requests for change. There is a $75 stipend per session. Attend as many sessions are you’d like.
For more information, email Kayla at kayla@dobiggood.com or Amanda at amanda.lewis@hca.wa.gov.
WSA Summer Institute 2022
June 13-29, 2022 (virtual) | June 28-30, 2022 (in-person) | Register Here
The 32nd Annual Summer Institute for early learning professionals is online. The institute has partnered with fabulous trainers to provide great information for those who work with children in Head Start, ECEAP and childcare.
This year there will be a combination of intensive online classes (June 13-29) and in-person classes at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, June 28-30.
Each course will dive deep into a subject led by amazing skilled instructors from around the country.
Responding to Housing Insecurity/Homelessness Issue for Indigenous Elders who are Victims of Domestic Violence
June 15, 2022 | noon to 1:30 p.m. PST | Virtual | Register Here
In recent years, the number of homeless elders is rapidly increasing. High rates of inflation, rising rents, the housing industry, real estate markets and COVID have all contributed to this increase. Our elders often have the greatest need for safe, accessible, and affordable housing.
Partnerships between tribal housing authorities, housing programs, homeless service systems, and Older American Act Title VI Native American Aging Programs (Title VI programs) are finding ways to provide culturally relevant housing options that are affordable, accessible, and provide links to services.
Please join this important webinar to learn more about responding to the needs of our elders who are experiencing housing insecurity and homelessness and what can be done.
Childbirth Education Retreat for Indigenous Families
June 18, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST | Yakima, Wash. | Register Here
This retreat is an intertribal, in-person event, held every other month. There is not cost to families. The retreat will discuss comfort measures, preparing for a baby and more. The retreat is intended for those in their second or third trimesters of pregnancy. Lunch, art activities, pregnancy photography, raffle prizes and an herbal care kit are included.
Family Reconciliation Service Re-Design: Opportunities for Lived Experts
June 21 and June 23, 2022 | Intro Session | 4 to 6 p.m. | Virtual | Complete the Interest Form
DCYF’s Adolescent Programs is embarking on an exciting new journey in partnership with our contractor SDM Consulting, to re-design Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) in the state of Washington. We know to do this, we need the voices of lived experts (youth, parents, caregivers, etc.) to guide us. To further this work, SDM will be leading various co-design sessions over the next six months with lived experts to develop recommendations for a community-based FRS program model.
Session 1: Co-design Foundational Webinar. We’ll focus on establishing relationships and building conditions for undertaking co-design work.
Second Annual Effective Teaching Institute
June 27-29, 2022 | Auburn, Wash. | 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST | Register Here
The Effective Teaching Institute for Native Learners originated with Dr. Willard Bill Sr. and Jim Egawa in the 1980s. The leadership of this work was then passed on to Dr. Denise Bill and Willard Bill Jr. Although the format and content have evolved over the years, the basic concept of engaging in effective practices for Native students is still the core of this work.
This Institute will share cultural insights, examples, models, and, hands-on experiences for those looking to strengthen ways to work with Native students. This Institute is geared to teachers, professors, and administrators. If educators are looking for culturally relevant ways to work with local Tribes in Washington State, this conference is for you. People can sign up for one day, two days, or all three days.
 The Second Annual Effective Teaching Institute conference is held June 27 to 29, 2022 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Muckleshoot Event Center, 2402 Auburn Way S., Auburn, WA 98092
Stages of Change for Survivors of Violence and Trauma
June 28, 2022 | noon to 2 p.m. PST | Virtual | Register Here
The Puyallup Tribe of Indians Community Domestic Violence Advocacy Program invites the public to attend a free virtual training about the Stages of Change for Survivors of Violence and Trauma. This training is open to the community and suitable for anyone interested in supporting victims of violence and trauma. Please feel free to share within your network. Registration is required.
Lessons Learned from the Heat Dome and Climate Change
June 28, 2022 | noon to 1 p.m. PST | Virtual | Register Here
Climate change is directly affecting the health and well-being of communities. The extremely warm temperatures of the June 2021 heat dome in the Pacific Northwest presented a challenge for public health agencies and underscored the need to increase resilience to climate-related hazards. During this one-hour webinar, Brendon Haggerty, interim supervisor of Healthy Homes and Communities at the Multnomah County Health Department, will share changes made since the heat dome, highlight transferable lessons, and resources for other public health agencies.
Teacher Workshop Series | Life Along the River: The Pamunkey Indian Tribe of Virginia
June 28, 2022 | 4 to 5 p.m. PST | Virtual | Register Here
This is a two-part workshop series designed to introduce teachers to the new digital storybook for 4th and 5th graders. The storybook explores the history and contemporary lives of the Pamunkey peoples and includes related lesson plans and student learning activities. The content of the storybook is organized into four chapters: place, community and culture, history, and the future.
WA State Fathers Network Monthly Webinars
Various dates | 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Virtual | Register Here
This event is sponsored by the Washington State Fathers Network, a program of Kindering. Participants are welcome register for one or more sessions. The registration page contains links to the session descriptions and information about the presenters. All sessions will be recorded.
- July 5: How to Share the Load When Raising a Child with Behavioral Challenges
- August 2: Sexual Assault Awareness & Response: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know
- September 6: Special Education: 10 Tips for Advocating for Your Child
- October 4: Financial Strategies
- November 1: Guardianships and Special Needs Trusts
- December 6: Effective Communication as Couples After the Arrival of Children
Reclaiming Indigenous Education
July 12, 2022 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Virtual | Register Here
This full-day workshop includes the following topics: Culture’s Impact on Neurobiology and Epigenetics, Traditional Caregiving Values and Practice, Cultural Practices as Educational Modality, Colonial Context and Action. The workshop is free. Donations are accepted.
JA Finance Park® | DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 2022
July 19-28, 2022 (on-line/virtual) | Aug. 22-26 (on-site, Auburn, Wash.) | Email to Sign Up
A partnership between Junior Achievement of Washington and the Department of Social and Health Services. JA Finance Park helps students build a foundation of personal finance skills through an experiential, real-life simulation. The students’ experience will begin with online sessions on personal finance. These sessions are organized into four themes: Income, Saving-Investing-Risk Management, Debit-Credit, and Budget.
Supporting Father Involvement Program
July 26-28 and Aug. 2-4, 2022 | Virtual | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST | Email Registration
The Supporting Father Involvement Program, also known internationally as Parents as Partners, is an evidence-based approach to fostering children’s development by increasing father involvement, and by supporting co-parenting among adult parenting partners sharing the care.
Participants will learn how to implement this 16-session parenting group that includes co-led group facilitation, an interactive curriculum, case management, and child care during while parents are meeting for the group. The program is designed to focus on co-parenting partners (e.g., parents, grandparents, same-sex couples, etc.) but it can also be implemented in a father's group format.
2022 Diné Early Childhood Summit
July 27-28, 2022 | Virtual |Register Here
In partnership with Navajo Project I-LAUNCH and the Navajo Nation Division of Behavioral and Mental Health Services, the First Things First Navajo Nation Regional Partnership Council presents the virtual 2022 Diné Early Childhood Summit.
This virtual Diné Early Childhood Summit will convene key stakeholders and decision-makers who help guide the best practices and innovations for early childhood and family services, early education, early care systems, early intervention coordination, child welfare, and child health advancement.
This free event will feature speakers and sessions tailored for professionals, stakeholders, and supporters of the Navajo Nation early childhood system. All key stakeholders and decision-makers whose programs provide services to young children and their families are encouraged to attend.
"Can't Hold Us Down" | Youth Transition Workshop
Aug. 1- 5, 2022 (Marysville) | Aug. 8-12, 2022 (Lakewood) | In-person and Virtual | Apply Here
A free summer experience where you can develolp self-advocacy and leadershiop skills, begin to plan career goals, and buld a network of support and friends. To qualify, you must have a disability, live in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, San Juan, South King, Pierce, or Thurston, and be 16 to 24 years old. Apply by June 15, 2022.
Washington State 20th Annual Youth Leadership Forum
Aug. 7-12, 2022 | Dumas Bay Center, Federal Way, Wash. | Email to Sign Up
The Washington State Youth Leadership Forum is an innovative, intensive, six-day leadership training program for upcoming high school juniors and seniors with disabilities. Delegates are selected from around the state of Washington to cultivate leadership, and citizenship skills while having fun and making friends.
Ask an Expert: Male Victims and Human Trafficking
Anytime | Virtual | Pre-Recorded | Watch Here
Ensuring equity and inclusion of services for all individuals who experience human trafficking means addressing the needs of men and boys. On April 28, 2022, a panel of experts convened to discuss men and boys’ experiences with human trafficking. The Ask an Expert series is sponsored by the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center.
This webinar session was offered in partnership with the Office on Trafficking in Persons’ National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC). The panel shared their insights on needed services, how to talk about human trafficking and develop outreach materials in ways that are inclusive of males, and where to find resources on this topic.
ANEW's Youth Exploratory Program
Anytime | In-person | Get More Information
Participants get an introduction to the construction trade with opportunities go participate in paid work-based learning internships. Get out of the classroom and do hands-oin project. Learn about future careers while having fun. Gain new skills. Earn while you learn.
Zoom Gatherings for Indigenous Pregnant and Parenting Families
Every Wednesday | noon | Virtual | Register Here
Each meeting is led by indigenous midwives, childbirth educators, lactation specialists and guest parents. There is no cost to participate. There are informational presentations each week on topics from traditional foods in pregnancy, to birth story processing, to support for parenting struggles.
Northwest Indian College Enters Articulation Agreement with Salish Kootenai College
Northwest Indian College has entered into an articulation agreement with Salish Kootenai College, to provide four-year Early Childhood Education degrees. The articulation agreement will allow graduates of Northwest Indian College’s two-year Early Childhood Education program to transfer to Salish Kootenai College’s four-year ECE program.
Read More.
Baby Formula Shortage Update
There is nothing as important to parents and caregivers as the health and safety of their children, and the infant formula shortage has left many families feeling anxious and concerned about their options for safely feeding their infants.
The Biden-Harris Administration—working together with agencies across the federal government, as well as with industry and retail entities— is working to address this shortage, which is due to pandemic-driven supply chain issues and worsened due to a voluntary formula recall in February by Abbott Nutrition—one of the country’s largest formula producers—and the closure of its production facility in Sturgis, Michigan.
Families can contact their nearest Community Action agency, which may be able to provide formula or connect them with a local agency with formula in stock. Read More. (link to PDF)
Region 10 Opioid Summit
Aug. 3 and 4, 2022 | Virtual | Register Here
The Region 10 Opioid Summit is an opportunity for professionals from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Indian Nations, urban Indian health programs, and recognized American Indian organizations to meet and explore ways to address the opioid crisis.
The highlighted tracks include Harm Reduction/Intervention, Recovery, Treatment and Prevention. The goal of the summit is to have at least 25% of all tracks focused on Tribe and urban Indian community programs. Registration is free.
Updated Family Initiated Treatment (FIT) webpage
Parents or family members can use FIT to seek out behavioral health treatment for youth in need of care. As long as providers have capacity and skill, they must treat the youth, even if the youth refuses care. Resource materials have also been updated.
To learn more, visit the updated FIT webpage.
Office of Indian Education (OIE) 50th Anniversary Celebration
June 23, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Virtual | Register Here
Join the celebration to honor, recognize and reflect of 50 years on the OIE.
33rd Annual Seafair Indian Days Powwow
July 15 to 17, 2022 | Daybreak Star, Seattle | Register Here
United Indians’ Seafair Indian Days Powwow is held annually on the third weekend in July, in conjunction with Seattle Seafair, at our Powwow Grounds adjacent to the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center. Attendance over the 3-day event ranges from 7,000-10,000, including visitors, dancers, musicians, vendors and tourists.
This proud tradition brings Native Americans of all tribes and cultures together to celebrate. UIATF has held the 3 daylong celebration in conjunction with Seafair for the past 30 years. The Powwow showcases traditional Indian cooking, jewelry-making, music, and especially dancing. Throughout the day, tribes from the United States and Canada dance in full tribal regalia.
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid Tribal Clinic
Second and fourth Tuesdays of the month | 10 a.m. to noon | Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Longview, Wash.
Cowlitz Wahkiakum Legal Aid is in the beginning phases of their work with Native indigenous families. A member of any tribe can access the legal clinic. First come, first serve if no appointment is made. To be scheduled to speak with an attorney, call Krystal at CWLA at 360-425-2579 or email krystalp.legalaid.com.
Daybreak Youth Services’ Restorative Receiving Center Now Open
Located in Daybreak’s inpatient facility in Spokane, the Receiving Center serves youth ages 12 to 17 who have experienced, or are at risk of, sexual exploitation. This program is a result of House Bill 1775, which aims to end childhood prostitution.
Read More.
ReloShare Launches Free Self-Booking Hotel Solution for Social Service Agencies
Safe Stays by ReloShare is a new, free-to-use hotel booking website designed to make it faster and easier to book hotel rooms for crime survivors. Now, Safe Stays users can search for and book rooms at hotels under an alias and with no credit card or ID requirement at check-in.
Read More.
National Museum of the American Indian
A diverse and multifaceted cultural and educational enterprise, the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) is an active and visible component of the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex. If you can’t visit the museum in person, you can check out the online exhibitions, virtual programs from home, read the museum’s magazine, or look at the resources available in our Native Knowledge 360º website.
Read More.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
If you are employed by a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government or not-for-profit organization, you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Read More.
Alliance for Child Welfare Excellence eLearning Series | DCYF Policy Rollout
It can be hard to keep up with policy changes, updates or revisions along with the day-to-day responsibilities of your job. DCYF rolls these out as needed throughout the year so that you can be aware of updated practice expectations. The Alliance’s eLearning series "DCYF Policy Rollout" will help you stay on top of these changes by keeping them all in one place so you can see what’s new easily and consistently.
This short eLearning walks you through the following policies, which are effective June 9, 2022: House Bill 1747, Substitute House Bill 1955, and House Bill 5548.
This training provides you with specifics on what the policy changes are and why the changes are being made. You will find links to resources that provide context or support your policy compliance. For your continued learning, the training includes the full text of the policy and a way to connect with someone within DCYF if you have questions.
Read More.
National Indian Justice Center Presents | Tribal Crisis Response Program
June 30, 2022 | 10 a.m. to noon | Virtual
The Focus on Human Trafficking and MMIWG2 in TCR training program provides effective tribal crisis response training, increases the number of trauma-informed tribal crisis responders, and most importantly helps victims, survivors and tribal communities cope and recovery through outreach support.
Read More.
Tribal Consultation on U.S. Department of Education Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Priorities
June 30, 2022 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. PST | Register Here
The U.S. Dept. of Education will conduct Tribal Consultation on the development of priorities for ED’s Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. The purpose of the consultation will be to receive meaningful input and ensure that Tribal leader views inform budget priority development.
UIHI Opens National Pride Month with some Excellent Resources
UIHI wishes everyone a happy Pride Month. All people deserve to live in a world where they are free from discrimination and have access to all forms of care without question or prejudice. Even more so, it's vital that LGBTQ2S+ people have their voices amplified and shared this and every month.
In our commitment to supporting LGBTQ2S+ expression and discourse, UIHI is sharing some of our resources featuring Native voices. Below, readers have access to two videos centered around suicide prevention, stigma and trauma, and HIV awareness.
-
Healing Spirits: Healing Spirits features Native aunties as they share their stories and provide wisdom on what it means to heal, address stigma, and thrive.
-
HIV Long-term Awareness: The HIV Long-term Awareness video features Bill Hall (Tlingit), an elder and long-term survivor of HIV, who reminds us of how important it is to be regularly tested for HIV, not just for ourselves but also for future generations.
Tribal Sovereignty: Why it Matters for Teaching and Learning About American Indians
July 20 to 21, 2022 | 1 to 2:30 p.m. | Virtual | Register Here
This free, two-part webinar series is for education professionals grades 4 to 12, looking for a content-rich professional development experience that provides foundational knowledge about tribal sovereignty in the United States.
Participants will learn about different aspects of sovereignty, including non-political components such as cultural autonomy. Participants will then hear from museum education staff about ways to teach tribal sovereignty to their students.
New Native American Museum Showcases 8,000 Years of Chumash History
In Fall 2022, the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians are slated to open a museum and cultural center on their reservation – something they call a long anticipated dream. The museum will be filled with stories that were lost for a long time, along with exhibits and events that showcase their own language that was only recently rediscovered. In this episode we speak to the tribe and go inside the future museum.
Listen Here.
|
