A Message From The Office of Tribal Relations: Sep. 10, 2024 Newsletter

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Sep. 10, 2024

Agency Announcements

A Message from Tleena Ives,
DCYF Director of Tribal Relations

I am writing to share the news that my last day as the Director of Tribal Relations with the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will be Sep. 27. I will be transitioning to a new role with Casey Family Programs as a Senior Director of Indian Child and Family Well-Being.

Over the past six years, I have had the incredible honor of leading our Office of Tribal Relations, which has grown from a small team of seven to one of the largest in the country, with a dedicated staff of twenty-five.

Together, we have made significant strides in supporting American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children and families. I am proud to share that we have seen a 55.8% reduction in the number of AI/AN children in care, decreasing from 557 in 2018 to 246 in 2023.

This is a reflection of our commitment to the successful implementation of key Washington Indian Child Welfare Act (WICWA) Supreme Court decisions.

In This Issue:


Career Opportunities

ICW CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane North/DCYF
Position closes: 9/10/24
Apply online: ICW CFWS Social Service Specialist (governmentjobs.com)

Active Efforts Navigator (SHPC4) - Olympia/DCYF
Position closes: 9/23/24
Apply online: Active Efforts Navigator (governmentjobs.com)

Tleena Ives

Through strong government-to-government relationships and collaborative efforts, we have increased tribal contracts for ICW agreements by 15% and secured nearly $30 million in funding to enhance support and services for WICWA, Tribal Early Learning, and additional philanthropic funding for culturally relevant services. We also completed a comprehensive rewrite of the ICW Policies and Procedures through meaningful consultation with tribes.

I am deeply grateful for the growth, learning, and invaluable relationships built during my time in this role. As I move on to my new position, I carry with me the lessons learned and the shared commitment to the well-being of Indian children and families.

Thank you for the trust and support over the nearly nine years as the former Tribal Early Learning Liaison and the outgoing Office of Tribal Relations Director.

Foster Care Negotiated Rule Making

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is in the process of amending Foster Care WAC 110-148 and we need your help to do it!

Caregiver Representatives: The next phase of this project is to identify community caregiver representatives who will be at the table creating new WAC and updating current rules. We are looking for volunteers from each region to represent caregivers in their area. If you are interested or you know of any providers who are interested in the project, email dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov.

Stay informed about the project through the Foster Care WAC Amendments webpage. If you have any questions, email dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov.

Emilie Boettger

DCYF Staff Spotlight

Article written by Heidi Pless, SHPM4 - A&PPM, and submitted by Betsy Tulee, Active Efforts Navigator, DCYF Office of Tribal Relations 

Emilie Boettger has maintained the role as the Region 3 Tribal Payment Only worker for nearly 3 years and has been with DCYF since 2017. In her current role, she supports Region 3 tribes including Lummi Nation, Tulalip, Sauk-Suiattle, Samish, Stillaguamish, Nooksack, Upper Skagit, and Swinomish.  

Emilie has navigated the needs and provided support to the tribes in our region with curiosity, wisdom, and creativity. She balances leadership, consistency, and maintains a high work ethic while also honoring and respecting tribal sovereignty. She has quickly become the expert in all areas to ensure each tribe can access the support they need. Most recently she has provided support and training to the tribes for the growing program of Extended Foster Care and the Tribal Guardianship Assistance Program.

Emilie has received positive recognition from several tribes, including one who commented:

Thanks again for all of your help! Covering this position would have been very difficult without your willingness to answer questions and your timely responses. I appreciate all do for us here at this Tribe.” 

Another tribal staff commented:

Emilie is phenomenal. Has always been helpful in every capacity."

Emilie’s partnership with the regional tribes has significantly impacted collaboration with tribes on all levels. In her free time, Emilie can be found enjoying a latte at a coffee shop, going for a run, exploring a new city, or making art.

clam bake

Tribal Early Learning Fund Spotlight

Tulalip Tribes-Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy

DCYF was pleased to award Tribal Early Learning Funds (TELF) to the Tulalip Tribes Betty J. Taylor’s Early Learning Academy for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Located in Region 3, the Academy serves approximately 240 students.

With these funds, the Academy focused on several funding priorities: elders and storytelling; culturally responsive books and materials; incorporating indigenous foods; traditional music and arts; transportation; and professional development.

wool skirt

A particular initiative of note included the Clam Bake – an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about local, cultural foods. Traditional materials such as thimble berry leaves, skunk cabbage, and two kinds of seaweed were used in the claim pit. Students got to see and be part of the process, to learn intergenerational knowledge, and to grow in their understanding of their cultural roots. Students listened intently as elders shared stories with the crowd. Between enjoying salmon, clams, and fry bread, the children sang and danced with their parents and caregivers.

The Academy also used TELF funds for purchasing and gathering supplies. Cedar bundle and cattails were used to make head bands for graduation, as well as matts for nap time in the long house. Wool was purchased to make skirts and head bands. Originally, wool clothing was made by wooly dog (now extinct) and mountain goat wool. A local master weaver taught summer youth and teacher assistants to make wool skirts for each classroom. These skirts are showcased in classrooms to immerse students in the traditional ways of the Tribe.


Learning Opportunities

ICYF 2024 Registration

2024 Indigenous Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) Conference

October 16-17, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

The ICYF conference is a free, online event which gathers caregivers, tribal partners, caseworkers, early learning providers, and juvenile rehabilitation staff to learn together and improve our shared practice.

This year's theme is Achieving the Gold Standard: Tribal Champions and Best Practices. Over the two-day conference, champions in the field will have an opportunity to share with participants the innovative work that they are doing to support Native families. 

To register:

1. Log in or Create an Account on the UW Alliance catalog.
2. Under the Courses tab, search for DCYF Indigenous Children, Youth and Families Conference 2024.
3. Click on the blue “Take course” button to register. 

If you require an alternate format for this information, need language interpretation services, or need another accommodation or modification to participate in this event, please contact the Office of Tribal Relations at dcyf.tribalrelations@dcyf.wa.gov.

Help to spread the word about ICYF 2024 by downloading and sharing the event flyer

Center for Indigenous Health | Lunch & Learn Series

John's Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health is offering a Lunch & Learn lecture series. All sessions are held virtually from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Register below to attend:

States and Tribes Working Together to Improve the Access of American Indians and Alaska Natives to Behavioral Health Care

Sep. 18, 2024 | 12:30 p.m. PT

Offered by the National Academy for State Health Policy, this webinar will provide an overview of the behavioral health delivery system for AI/AN and an exploration of two state strategies. Register to attend this free webinar. 


Career Opportunities

ICW CFWS Social Service Specialist 1-3 In Training (SSS3) - Spokane North/DCYF
Position closes: Sep. 10, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW CFWS Social Service Specialist (governmentjobs.com)

Active Efforts Navigator (SHPC4) - Olympia/DCYF
Position closes: Sep. 23, 2024, 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Active Efforts Navigator (governmentjobs.com)

Dependency Training Specialist/Administrative Office of the Courts
Open until filled
Apply online: Job Opportunities (governmentjobs.com)

Recovery House Manager/Nisqually Tribe Health and Wellness Center
Position closes: Sep. 11, 2024
Apply online: Nisqually Indian Tribe Jobs (applicantpro.com)


General Information & Resources

Olympic Peninsula 3rd Annual ICWA Conference

Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Field Arts & Events Hall
201 West Front Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362

Register for this year's Olympic Peninsula ICWA Conference and experience a day of learning, networking, and collaboration. This in-person event will bring together professionals in the field to discuss important topics related to the Indian Child Welfare Act. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with experts and peers in the industry. Register online to secure your spot.

Foster Care Support Night

Sep. 19, 2024 | 5:30 to 8: p.m.
Casey Family Programs
1123 23rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98122

Offering Kid's Cultural Connection (Horses and Native Peoples) and a Trauma 101 training for Caregivers. Register by contacting Laura McCormick at (206) 595-7534 or email FosterCare@UnitedIndians.org

Facing Fentanyl Together

Facing Fentanyl Together: One Day, 26 Events

Friday, Sep. 20, 2024

Facing Fentanyl Together resource fairs are being planned and hosted by Local Planning Areas, partnerships that connect, coordinate, communicate and plan activities and projects together so people across Washington can succeed.

For more information and to find an event near you, visit Facing Fentanyl Together | DSHS.

native and strong

Native & Strong Lifeline

Mental health issues can make you feel alone. You are not alone.

The Native & Strong Lifeline provides all Indigenous people in Washington state with listening ears and caring support. Services are free, confidential, and provided by Native counselors trained to listen and provide support and resources.

Call 988 and press 4.

For more information and resources, visit the Native & Strong Lifeline website