Regional In-Person ICW Trainings - Register Today!
The Office of Tribal Relations and The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence are excited to launch the much-awaited Indian Child Welfare (ICW) Policy in-person training this October. This course will provide an in-depth review of the new ICW Policies and Procedures chapters for the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
The training series is segmented into two parts: an eLearning and in-person training. The eLearning is a prerequisite to the classroom learning. DCYF staff are asked to complete the eLearning prior to attending the in-person training. Please access the eLearning:
In-person trainings are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and have been scheduled regionally. Morning sessions will address tribal sovereignty, and the afternoon will focus on active efforts and offers practical guidance for staff working through the life of a ICW case. Please plan for a one-hour lunch on your own.
To register for the upcoming in-person training dates, click on the link below that fits your role.
For more information, please contact your regional ICW consultant.
OTR Welcomes Carla Lopez-Wilkerson,
Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator
Carla E. Lopez-Wilkerson (she/her/hers) is the new Tribal Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator with DCYF' Office of Tribal Relations (OTR). Before joining OTR in August 2023, Carla worked the frontline in child welfare field operations for over six years as a Child & Family Welfare Services (CFWS) social worker for DCYF Region 5 in Tacoma and Puyallup offices. In this role, Carla was assigned ICW dependency cases and learned firsthand how to collaborate with children’s families and their tribes for the best permanency outcomes possible. She entered Washington State service in 2016, when she was selected for the Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) at University of Washington Tacoma. Through this specialized child welfare training, she gained practice knowledge across all programs in the Tacoma office: CPS, FAR, FVS and CFWS.
Born and raised in South Texas, she is a proud Tejana from San Antonio, Texas (Go Spurs! Go!). As child number 5 of 6, raised by a single mother, she learned very early on to speak up for herself and all the littles in the family, who call her “Auntie Carla.” She grew up with a growing awareness of the racial, mental health and environmental issues that surrounded her. That early exposure has been a part of what drove her into social work.
She had the privilege to be the first one in her family to receive a formal college education and learned how to hone her natural “out-spoken” talents into meaningful advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology & Audiology degree from California State University (CSU) Eastbay and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma.
In 2013, the U.S. Coast Guard sent her family to the PNW. Since this time, Carla, her husband Rich and their daughter Tori have called Auburn, WA home. Prior to working for DCYF, Carla was employed as a Life Enrichment Coordinator in a memory care retirement community. She is most proud of the work she did during this time, as it was “soul-work” that led her to become a certified dementia practitioner. She developed and introduced client-centered programs that brought community to the residents in secured memory care, most notably, a local pre-school joined memory care residents for monthly activities, and she commissioned a mural (funded by a grant written by Carla) for engaging with residents in their courtyard garden. In 2015, she was recognized as employee of the year.
Currently for fun, she enjoys gardening, training her dogs and is teaching herself how to sing Tex-Mex corridos. If you’d like to contact Carla, email her at: Carla.lopez-wilkerson@dcyf.wa.gov
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Makah Early Childhood Education Center Opening
Makah Tribe, Qʷidiččaʔa•tx̌, (Neah Bay, Washington)—
On Aug. 11, 2023, Makah Tribe cut the (cedar woven) ribbon and blessed their newly built Muzzie Claplanhoo and Edith Hottowe Early Childhood Education building to serve the early childhood needs of the community. Tribal Council recognized the years of planning and cooperation needed to get this building completed. The new building is to replace the previous structure that was within the tsunami zone for a safe and updated location for children to attend school.
The 31,000 square foot center has eight childcare classrooms, eleven head start/early head start classrooms, a multi-purpose room large enough for 400 people, a culture classroom, outdoor covered playground, and commercial kitchen. Kelly Mains Dulik, Makah ECE Manager, shared the following video with information about the project: Makah Early Childhood Education Center - Project Update - YouTube.
Said Kelly: “One of our biggest concerns that we presented to OHS when we applied for the funding was getting the children out of the tsunami zone. When we practice drills it’s 120 small children, trying to get them up the hill and into the safe zone. It’s just the whole aspect of getting all the kids into the vehicles and up there, and in the event of a tsunami there may not be a road.”
Descendants of the namesake of the building were present and made calls to action in their speeches recognizing the significant contribution of Minerva Muzzie Claplanhoo and Edith Hottowe, to make Head Start available to all of the Tribal community rather than the antiquated federal poverty guidelines.
DCYF Secretary Ross Hunter, Tribal Relations Director Tleena Ives, and Assistant Secretary of Early Learning Nicole Rose attended this important dedication.
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The WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant is a competitive reimbursement grant available to schools and childcare centers for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods in child nutrition programs.
Applications are due by Sept. 25, 2023, by 5 p.m.
For information and to apply, visit Grants | Washington State Department of Agriculture.
Diaper Bank Grant – Request for Applications
The Washington State Department of Commerce is initiating this Request for Applications (RFA) to collect applications for grants, which will be administered via reimbursable grant agreements, to organizations for the purpose of purchasing diapers, wipes, and other essential baby products for distribution to families in need.
Applications are due by Sept. 13, 2023, at 11:59 p.m.
For information and to apply, visit Request for Applications – Diaper Bank Grant - Washington State Department of Commerce.
WA Family Resource Center Program Request for Applications
For organizations to provide new services in order to meet the statutory requirements of a family
resource center, as defined in RCW 43.216.010; to increase capacity or enhance service
provision at current family resource centers, including but not limited to direct staffing and
administrative costs; and to conduct data collection, evaluation, and continuous quality
improvement activities. The grant period is from Oct. 17, 2023, to June 30, 2025.
Applications are due by Sept. 5, 2023, at 5 p.m.
For information and to apply, visit WA Family Resource Center Grant | Office of Minority and Women's Business Enterprises.
Office of Crime Victims Advocacy: Funding for Domestic Violence High Risk Teams
The purpose of this funding opportunity through the Office of Crime victims Advocacy (OCVA) is to support the creation of multidisciplinary teams that will identify and serve victims of domestic violence in high-risk situations.
Eligible applicants include non-profit victim service agencies, law enforcement, prosecutor offices, and tribes/tribal victim services organizations.
OCVA intends to fund projects through June 30, 2024, with potential renewal for an additional year.
Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2023.
Request for Proposals - Domestic Violence High Risk Teams - Washington State Department of Commerce
New Notice of Funding Opportunity Forecast for Tribal MIECHV FY 2024
The Office of Early Childhood Development within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) expects to post a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (Tribal MIECHV) Program.
Funds will support 5-year cooperative agreements between ACF and federally recognized Indian tribes (or a consortium of Indian tribes), tribal organizations, or urban Indian organizations interested in developing, implementing, sustaining, or expanding an evidence-based home visiting program serving expectant families and families with young children aged birth to kindergarten. Awards will support implementation of high-quality, culturally grounded, evidence-based home visiting services to American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) families and children; implementation of performance measurement and continuous quality improvement systems; development of early childhood systems; and participation in research and evaluation activities to build evidence around home visiting, particularly in tribal communities.
More information, including estimated post, application, and award dates, is available in the Grant Opportunity Forecast.
Prime Time Preschool Grant Opportunities
Humanities Washington is now accepting applications from eligible organizations for financial support to hold Prime Time Preschool programs and Prime Time Family Reading programs between now and the fall of 2024.
Applications are due Dec. 1, 2023 for spring 2024 program support, and June 30, 2024 for fall 2024 program support.
Hosts will receive $8,300 to support each Prime Time Preschool series, team member training, and access to curriculum materials. All Washington State public libraries, elementary schools, museums, family resource centers, and other youth-serving organizations are eligible to apply and submit multiple applications.
For information and to apply, visit Host Prime Time Preschool (humanities.org).
Seattle Building Canoe Carving Center in SLU to showcase Native Culture
“The project is using city, county, state and federal funds, with construction scheduled to occur between fall 2023 and fall 2024, according to the city’s Parks Department. United Indians is now raising money for a second building at the site, called the Welcome House, which could host educational displays, a kitchen and an events space. Together, the Canoe Carving House and Welcome House would be known as the Northwest Native Canoe Center.”
Seattle building canoe carving center in SLU to showcase Native culture | The Seattle Times
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Annual Convention
Monday, Sept. 18, 2023
The Great Wolf Lodge, Centralia, WA
In 1953 farsighted tribal leaders in the Northwest formed the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) and dedicated it to tribal sovereignty and self-determination. Today, ATNI is a nonprofit organization representing 57 Northwest tribal governments from Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Alaska, California and Montana. ATNI Annual Conventions are a place to gather, learn, develop policy positions and share knowledge.
This year's convention will be hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.
Get your tickets by going to ATNI Annual Convention - Campaign (classy.org).
American Indian Alaska Native Train-the-Trainer Series
Train the Trainer (TTT) sessions will be offered by the National Training and Development Curriculum at no cost. The TTT is held virtually over the course of 4 days. Each day of training lasts for approximately 6 ½ hours. In total, you will receive 22 hours of instruction focused primarily on the classroom-based content with guidance on the optimal way to train the NTDC classroom material.
Now accepting registration for the following American Indian Alaska Native TTT sessions on Sept. 6, 7, 13, or 14. Register by emailing Madison Sprague at msprague@spaulding.org with the following information:
- First and Last Name
- State of Residence
- Agency Name
- Primary Training Audience
- Date of TTT You Wish to Attend
Advanced Tribal Relations Certificate | Evergreen State College
Starting Fall 2023! Gain the confidence and skills needed to collaborate with tribal partners. This professional certificate is designed for current and aspiring tribal liaisons and other positions that interact directly with Washington State tribes.
For information, contact joshua.plaster@evergreen.edu.
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Collective Healing: Plant Medicine Allies to Support Long COVID Survivors and Collective Grief Now and Into the Future (Webinar)
Join the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center for an upcoming webinar where you will learn about the plant medicines of our historical, current, and future needs with an herbalist, seed keeper, farmer, doula, poet, and long COVID survivor, Chasity Salvador (Acoma Pueblo).
Friday, Sept. 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (PST).
For information and to register: Collective Healing: Plant Medicine Allies to Support Long COVID Survivors and Collective Grief Now and Into the Future | NIWRC
Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change
Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change returned with three new conversations featuring inspiring leaders working on the frontlines of current and emerging issues for children and families. These conversations are for everyone who cares for and about babies and children, and the families, professionals, and communities that protect, nurture, and enjoy them.
All Learning to Listen conversations are one-hour long and feature live Spanish translation, closed captioning, and an interactive Q and A.
For information and to register: Learning to Listen: Conversations for Change - Brazelton Touchpoints
Incorporating Culture Values and Traditions into Policy, Procedure & Practice Webinar
Join the Capacity Building Center for Tribes and the Center for Native Child and Family Resilience on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. for a 90-minute webinar reflecting on the Txin Kaangux̂ (TK) Initiative on St. Paul Island. The webinar will highlight the incorporation of cultural values and traditions into the program's policies, procedures, and practices, as well as its innovative approaches, such as mind mapping and creating engaging resources from standard policies. Facilitators will provide an overview of the TK Initiative, and its role in promoting health, wellness, and cultural resilience throughout the community. Register by going to Webinar Registration - Zoom.
Regional Administrator (EMS3) Region 4 - Seattle/DCYF
Position closes: 9/3/23, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Regional Administrator (EMS3) Region 4 - Seattle | Apply tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
CFWS/ICW Active Efforts Unit Supervisor 5 (SSS5) - Tacoma
Position closes: 9/4/23, 11:50 p.m.
Apply online: CFWS/ICW Active Efforts Unit Supervisor 5 (SSS5) - Tacoma | Government Jobs
Caseworker, TCW/Suquamish Tribe
Call (360) 394-8409 or (360) 900-7009 for information.
CPS Investigator, TCW/Suquamish Tribe
Call (360) 394-8409 or (360) 900-7009 for information.
Puyallup Tribe’s Annual Labor Day Pow-wow
The Puyallup Tribe’s 44th annual Labor Day Pow-wow is just around the corner with a festive, three-day weekend of dancing, drumming, royalty contests, food, and vendors. This celebration of Native culture is set for Sept. 1 to 3, 2023, at Chief Leschi Schools located at 5625 52nd St. E., Puyallup, Wash.
Department of Health Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services
The Department of Health Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services is a resource that can come to your program sites. Services provided include childhood vaccinations and access to other health services. In addition, the staff provide educational materials and can work with your Health Coordinator and other staff to determine what languages are needed.
For information, visit Care-a-Van Mobile Health Services | Washington State Department of Health.
Care-a-Van staff will attend the next Region X OHS Health Coordinators meeting on Sept. 12 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to share more information and discuss ways to increase immunizations and other health services. Please register by going to Meeting Registration - Zoom (zoomgov.com).
The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded eight grants totaling $3,998,000 to eight Tribes as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP).
This funding from President Biden’s Internet for All initiative will help Tribes reduce monthly Internet service costs, plan for future Internet infrastructure investments, upgrade network equipment, and purchase devices.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $4 Million in Internet for All Grants to Tribal Lands | National Telecommunications and Information Administration (ntia.gov)
Resource List for Trauma Responses
If you are experiencing any traumatic stress, panic, anxiety, depression, or hopelessness, you are not alone, and help is available! You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a crisis counselor NOW. Visit Trauma Resources (PDF) for grounding breathing exercises that can help take you out of “fight/flight” mode, as well as more crisis resources that allow you to speak with someone now.
Here, you’ll also find more long-term resources and strategies for self-care.
The Lost Children of Carlisle
Imagine your children are taken from your home, sent away to school in a place you’ve never heard of, then never return. Your family never learns where your children are buried. That’s the reality, and trauma, for many Native American tribes who are still searching for answers. This powerful documentary follows the journey of Native Americans who are trying to find loved ones buried in unmarked graves at the site of the first federal off-reservation Indian boarding school in the country. “The Lost Children of Carlisle” is available exclusively on the Very Local app.
Healing Events - 2022 Recordings Available
You can now access all recorded healing events from 2022, hosted by the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Visit Events - The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition to watch.
The Healing Heart of Lushootseed Documentary Film
Feeling heartbroken by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Vi Hilbert, an 83-year-old elder from the Upper Skagit Indian tribe in the Pacific Northwest, asked the spirit, “What can one person do to heal a sick world?” The answer she received was music. The Healing Heart of Lushootseed, a short documentary film tells the extraordinary story of how a diminutive great grandmother gathered support for her most ambitious project yet, to heal the heart of the world through music.
Watch the trailer by visiting www.healingheartproject.org.
Bringing Tokitae's remains back to the Pacific Northwest the next step for the Lummi Nation
“Lummi Elder Raynell Morris is among Tokitae's fiercest advocates. She now turns her attention to bringing Tokitae's remains back to the Pacific Northwest so she can be put to rest in accordance with the Tribe's traditions.”
Bringing Tokitae's remains back to the Pacific Northwest the next step for the Lummi Nation | king5.com
Water quality research helps bring healing and sovereignty to the Apsáalooke
“My goal is to support my Nation to implement our own water quality standards based on science and culture, which is integral for us to preserve our traditional way of life by having access to healthy waters. This would strengthen our sovereignty and allow us to hold all users – whether upstream or downstream – accountable for contaminating our waters.”
Water quality research helps bring healing and sovereignty to the Apsáalooke — High Country News – Know the West (hcn.org)
A ‘Defining Moment’ in Native Storytelling
The Reservation Dogs “Deer Lady” episode effectively tackled the issue of cultural genocide by the church, especially its efforts to suppress Native languages.
"In June 2021, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland launched the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, an effort to address the intergenerational trauma caused by Indian boarding school policies. And in May Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts introduced a bill to create a truth and healing commission that would address the impact of boarding schools.”
A ‘defining moment’ in Native storytelling - ICT News
Native mental health providers seek to heal boarding school scars
“You just can’t remove the bandage when you have not done enough to actually help heal the person and the people,” Slater said.
Native mental health providers seek to heal boarding school scars with informed and appropriate treatment — High Country News – Know the West (hcn.org)
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