Artist Project Spotlight
Article by Arturo (Art) Caballero, Juvenile Rehabilitation Tribal Liaison, and Brandy Otto Jennings, OTR Administrator
DCYF's Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) reached out to Jose Caywood, Youth Engagement Program Specialist at Green Hill School (GHS), about artwork that could be spotlighted for this year's Indigenous Children, Youth, and Families conference. Brody Brownell, a GHS resident, stepped up to the task. The artwork submitted to OTR (pictured here) was used for media outreach and on thank you cards sent to presenters.
We want to thank Brody for his time and talent. Below is information about this talented young person and the artwork he created.
Brody represents the Apache Tribe. The significance of this drawing is more than a structure, mountains, and a skull with axes. The structure is an Inipi. The Inipi is used during our sweat lodge ceremony: a sacred, spiritual, and healing ceremony for our people.
In this image, we show the connection between culture and ceremony by the buffalo skull to the Inipi, with the healing power of sweetgrass, as its connection. The image of the buffalo skull shows two tomahawks set behind it. The buffalo skull represents our culture and history and is shown at the forefront of the image.
This signifies that culture and family always come first. The tomahawks set behind the skull is a representation of the warrior blood within us. This also shows that those ways are only second to culture, and never first.
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Tribal Community-Based Pathway Listening Sessions
DCYF wants to learn from tribal communities about the supports you need, what’s working well, and how we can honor Tribal culture and traditions when offering family supports. Your voice will help shape how these supports are designed and delivered.
Food will be provided for all attendees. Participants with lived experience in family support or child welfare services will receive a $90 gift card for their time. Tribal Elders, parents, caregivers, service providers, and community members are invited to attend one of the following sessions.
Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribal Community Gathering
Dec. 8, 2025, 5 to 7 p.m.
Tribal Kitchen
31912 Little Boston Road NE, Kingston, WA 98346
Register in advance to attend.
Post-Separation Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration Concerns
Many families in Washington state are facing challenges because of immigration-related detention or deportation. The new Resources for Families Impacted by Immigration-Related Separation Flyer is available for families who are dealing with separation or are worried it might happen.
For information about the Family Separation Rapid Response Team and the newly created Immigration Subcabinet, visit the Family Separation Rapid Response Team webpage.
Positive Indian Parenting Funding
DCYF is excited to announce a funding opportunity to provide Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) services. This opportunity aims to honor and uplift the strengths, cultural traditions, and parenting practices of American Indian and Alaska Native families by expanding access to culturally responsive parenting supports.
The Request for Qualifications and Quotations (RFQQ) was posted on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, and will be open until Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
View a copy of the RFQQ.
To apply, please visit the Washington’s Electronic Business Solution website.
For more information about Positive Indian Parenting, view the PIP Flyer from the National Indian Child Welfare Association.
Tribal Observer Learning Opportunity
This year, OTR supported several Tribal early learning programs in a Tribal Observer Learning Opportunity with DCYF Licensing. This offering creates a space for two-way learning. Tribal staff can observe state licensing visits, and state licensors also learn from Tribal approaches, cultural knowledge, and community-based practices.
Many Tribes also invite DCYF licensors to visit their programs. These shared walkthroughs help both sides learn from each other, compare practices, and discuss monitoring questions in a respectful, side-by-side way. This honors Tribal sovereignty and the strengths of each Tribal Nation.
Because scheduling visits across the state can be challenging, this opportunity will continue in a flexible, request-based format. Tribal programs can contact OTR to:
- Observe a state licensing monitoring visit.
- Request a shared walkthrough at their Tribal program.
- Talk about monitoring, safety practices, or documentation.
For support or to request an opportunity, contact Mindy Flett, Tribal Child Care Licensing Consultant, at mindy.flett@dcyf.wa.gov or call (509) 828-5017.
Positive Indian Parenting | Train-the-Trainer Courses
DCYF is offering Positive Indian Parenting (PIP) Train-the-Trainer courses at no cost. These courses prepare facilitators to educate and support Native parents using a culturally specific approach. Trainings provide participants with a manual that contains instructional materials for eight PIP sessions, each grounded in traditional Native teachings about child rearing.
Organizations interested in providing PIP to their community are encouraged to register. Registration preference will be given to Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, and Recognized American Indian Organizations in Washington state.
Please complete the Registration Form to sign up for a course listed below:
- Virtual: Jan. 12-15, 2026
- In-Person: March 3-5, 2026 | Port Angeles, WA
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In-Person: May 2026 (location and date to be announced)
For questions, please contact Shannel.Squally-Janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Washington State Maternal Mortality Report – Including Dads in Prevention
Dec. 4, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Maternal mortality has a deep and inequitable impact on loved ones and communities left behind. So, how do we prevent it? This session will discuss data, findings and recommendations from the Washington State Department of Health’s October 2025 Maternal Mortality Review Panel report.
Washington’s MMRP reviews deaths of Washington residents in pregnancy through one year postpartum to identify deaths that are pregnancy-related and preventable, and to make recommendations to prevent future deaths. From decision-makers to dads, knowledge can help everyone understand what’s needed to prevent maternal mortality.
Register for this online training event.
Native American Heritage Day
Taking place this year on Friday, Nov. 28, Native American Heritage Day encourages Americans of all backgrounds to appreciate Indigenous cultures appropriately and respectfully.
Dr. Arthur C. Parker of the Seneca Nation first advocated for a National Native American Heritage Day in the 1910s. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush passed legislation designating the day after Thanksgiving as American Indian Heritage Day.
The law was established on Nov. 28, 1990, as a day to pay respect to Native American people and encouraging all Americans to educate themselves regarding the many and varied contributions of Native people throughout the history of these lands. American Indian Heritage Day was supported by the National Indian Gaming Association and 184 Federally Recognized Tribes.
Ways to recognize Native American Heritage Day include:
- Acknowledging the Native land on which you live.
- Cooking Native American food.
- Supporting Indigenous-owned businesses.
- Reading books by Native authors.
- Donating to Native American organizations.
- Participating in a Native American Heritage Day event near you.
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Upcoming Local Events
Forest Garden Land Tending at Daybreak Star
Nov. 27-28, 2025 | Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, Seattle, WA
Come support Indigenous food sovereignty and work hands-on with traditional plants like camas and huckleberry. It’s a powerful way to connect with culture and community. Visit United Indians of All Tribes Foundation for event details.
Native American Heritage Month Book Recommendations for Children
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We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom – A beautifully illustrated book that teaches young readers about the importance of protecting natural resources.
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Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard – A heartwarming story that explores the cultural significance of fry bread in Native American communities.
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The People Shall Continue by Simon Ortiz – This picture book provides a historical overview of Native peoples and their resilience.
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Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun's Thanksgiving Story by Danielle Hill, Alexis Bunten, Anthony Perry, and Garry Meeches, Sr. Curriculum is available online.
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Black Cloud Rises by Douglas Robbins – In this bold novel, a group of modern Native American warriors plans an audacious takeover of America's most-watched holiday event - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Native American Heritage Month Film & Documentary Recommendations
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Gather – A film that highlights the movement among Native communities to reclaim traditional food practices. Watch the trailer. Available for free on Kanopy and Hoopla.
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Molly of Denali – A children’s show featuring a young Native girl from Alaska, focusing on cultural heritage and contemporary Indigenous life. Available on PBS KIDS.
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Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World – This documentary explores the influence of Indigenous musicians on the North American music scene. Watch the trailer. Available for free on Tubi.
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