DCYF Living Principles Award

We are happy to announce that Wendy Thomas, DCYF's Tribal Relations Early Learning Tribal Relations Administrator, was awarded the agency's Living Principles Award on July 15. 

The Living Principles Award celebrates the successes of DCYF staff who achieve agency outcomes by embodying the DCYF Operating Principles. 

Wendy was celebrated for her many achievements and contributions to the agency, including her -- and her team's -- efforts in distributing $7.5 million in Tribal Early Learning Funds during the 2023-25 biennium.

The grant was awarded to 16 Tribal Nations throughout the state, which is the most Tribal Nations served by any single early learning grant to date. These funds provided the opportunity for tribal programs and providers to incorporate educational programming that closely resembles the types of educational models they have chosen to define for themselves; and to include the whole community in traditional and cultural ways of knowing, being, and doing, consistent with their own Tribal cultures. 

Congratulations, Wendy! 

Celebrating Collaboration with our Tribal Partners

Article written by Elsy Cruz, LICWAC Coordinator

Get to Know: Buffy Nicholson, Children and Family Services Program Manager

Buffy Nicholson is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Colville. Her given name is Tlakan, which means “spring flower that never dies”. Buffy grew up on the Colville reservation and graduated from Moses Lake High school. Upon graduating high school, she joined the US Army and served for 8 years.  

After finishing her service Buffy pursued her associate degree in business administration; along with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education; and a master’s degree in education. In 2008 Buffy returned to Colville reservation and began working for her tribe through the Children’s Administration field. Buffy served as a front-line worker, then moved into the lead worker position.  In 2010 she became the primary ICWA contact for her tribe. Currently Buffy is the Program Manager and designated expert witness for the Colville Tribe. 

Buffy is passionate about her work with children and families. This is apparent in her daily dedication to not only her role as the program manager but also as a Tribal and community member. Not only is Buffy the first point of contact for all child welfare matters for her Tribe, for nationwide inquiries and notices, but she also supervises all investigations and conducts investigations as needed for her Tribe.

Outside of work hours Buffy serves on the local school board, coaches girls’ basketball, and is an active mother to three kids. Buffy doesn’t miss a moment; she attends all of her children’s events and is a prominent community member. When referencing “all her children” we are also referring to her nieces, nephews, and all the children she views and treats as family. On her time “off”, you will likely find Buffy at a sporting or community event surrounded by her family, supporting all youth.

Buffy has played an essential role in building communication and strengthening government to government relationships across the state but specifically in region 1, where the Colville reservation is located. Buffy highlights the importance of personal relationships in this work. She explains: “One of the biggest positives and highlights of how we have found success in our collaboration with the state; is through relationships, we have been able to cultivate and create an environment where families are not negatively impacted by legislative, policy, and practice changes”.

Buffy shared some advice from her two decades in this role: “Find your people, strengthen those relationships, you will grow, you might go in different directions, but those connections are important and will help you through your career. Don’t be afraid to question the system and advocate for your families, the system isn’t always set up in a way that is easy to maneuver for families, it is our job to help them navigate and create ripples for change.”

Buffy is a fierce advocate for her Colville community, Native families and children. She works tirelessly and is not afraid to speak her mind and make unpopular decisions. She stands by the families she serves and will fight for their right to be seen and heard without fear. We are so grateful for her experience, collaboration and partnership.