I am committed to upholding Tribal sovereignty and self-determination, and to honoring the trust responsibility to our communities, including those living off reservation. This means ensuring commitments are followed through and that policies and systems align with Tribal Nations and reflect what communities know to be their strengths and health.
My work has included advancing traditional healing, prevention, and upstream approaches that guide decisions toward better outcomes for our communities.
I also bring lived experience navigating these systems—raising my son while working to keep my family together, and caring for children who came into my life through the system and who I continue to support alongside my own. These experiences continue to shape how I understand systems and the importance of doing better for our children and families.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be in this role. I welcome the opportunity to hear from you, to engage, and to be present in a way that supports your communities.
I look forward to meeting you.
Yakoke,
Nanette Star
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End-of-Session Legislative Updates Webinar Recording
Thank you to all who attended the End-of-Session Legislative Updates webinar. The webinar's recording and slide deck are now available on the Government Affairs webpage.
If you have questions, please contact Community Engagement at dcyf.communityengagement@dcyf.wa.gov.
Webinar | Working Connections Child Care Program Updates
The 2026 legislative session included significant changes to Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) policy and rates to achieve cost savings in response to the state’s budget needs.
DCYF is hosting webinars to share updates on these changes, how they will be implemented, and their impact to providers who participate in WCCC.
Providers are invited to join one of the following sessions at their convenience:
If you are not able to attend the live webinar, slides from the presentation will be available on the DCYF Government Affairs webpage a few days afterward.
Spanish and Somali interpretation will be available for this webinar.
For questions, please email dcyf.earlylearningengagement@dcyf.wa.gov.
Strategic Planning Tribal Engagement Sessions
The goal of these sessions is to hear directly from Tribes about priorities, perspectives, and guidance for DCYF’s strategic plan. DCYF values working in partnership with Tribes and wants to make sure Tribal knowledge, experience, and voices help shape real, effective goals and solutions. These sessions are meant to give Tribes an early chance to share input so it can influence the plan from the very beginning. DCYF will hold two opportunities to attend these engagement sessions. We invite Tribes to attend one or both sessions. The agenda and questions for both will be the same.
Meetings Options:
- Wednesday, May 6 | 3 to 4:30 p.m. | Register
- Thursday, May 7 | 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Register
For questions, please contact Simmy Kumar at simmy.kumar@dcyf.wa.gov.
Community Event Spotlight
By Art Caballero, Social & Health Program Consultant
The NATIVE project invited OTR to attend their Healthy Heart Powwow on Feb. 13, 2026, at Rogers High School in Spokane, WA. It was truly an honor to be part of an evening of dancing, drumming, wellness, and community connection. OTR gave out handouts regarding community resources. There were Head Man and Head Woman specials as well as cash prizes for all dance categories. In attendance were Native vendors and area partner booths (including OTR). It was exciting to see health promotions on site that included blood pressure checks and health education. We encourage you to watch out for announcements for this event in February 2027 mark your calendar for next year so you can dance, shop, eat and take care of your heart – mind, body, and spirit!
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2027-29 Public School Districts and Tribal Compact Schools Funding
The Early Learning Facilities program at the Department of Commerce is offering a grant opportunity to the Washington Public School Districts and Tribal Schools. This competitive grant funding round is to assist public school districts and Tribal compact school childcare providers to remodel, purchase or construct early learning facilities and classrooms to create more early learning opportunities for children from income-qualified households.
The deadline to apply is May 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Visit Department of Commerce website for information and to apply.
Bureau of Justice Assistance Funding to Support Tribal Justice Systems
There is a BJA funding opportunity currently available that supports Tribal justice systems in the areas of public safety, mental health, reentry, treatment courts, and infrastructure capacity. The deadline to apply is April 17, 2026. Visit Bureau of Justice Assistance website for information and to apply.
Federal Broadband Grant
A Federal broadband grant opportunity from the U.S. Treasury is available through the Public Works Board. A minimum of $5.1 million is available through this program funding cycle from the Coronavirus Capital Project Fund (CPF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Distressed communities or areas identified as Indian country may receive up to $5 million, while the maximum amount of funding that the PWB may provide other applicants is $2 million.
The deadline to apply is June 1, 2026. Visit Department of Commerce website for information.
Introducing FamLink to Tribal Partners
Join the Introduction to FamLink for Tribal Partners Webinar. Join this webinar to learn more about DCYF's case management system: FamLink. We will discuss how to obtain secured access to FamLink, basic system navigation of FamLink, how to search for child welfare information, and how to review FamLink search results. A presentation will be followed by a Q&A session led by the Information Technology Training Team.
Here are the dates the trainings will be held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates:
- April 21, 2026
- May 19, 2026
- June 23, 2026
- July 21, 2026
- Aug. 25, 2026
- Sept. 22, 2026
- Oct. 27, 2026
- Nov. 17, 2026
- Dec. 15, 2026
Join using the following Zoom link:
https://dcyf.zoom.us/j/84754250107?pwd=t7bCqKvbFAXH8cHAj9EIn2Oe9kUlET.1
To schedule a 1:1 or Specialized Group Training, please contact Matthew Shaw at matthew.shaw@dcyf.wa.gov.
Master of Public Administration
Evergreen's MPA programs emphasize social change and democratic governance - perfect for the student who wants to make the world a better place. Learn more by visiting the Evergreen State College website.
Rooted in Community, Growing Possibility
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. In Tribal communities, this is not a new concept, it is a continuation of what has always been true, our children are sacred, and their well-being is a shared responsibility.
This year’s theme, Pinwheels of Possibility, reflects what happens when communities are supported, families are resourced, and culture is centered. Prevention is not about individual blame, it is about strengthening the relationships and environments that surround our children. For generations, Tribal communities have practiced this through connection, Elders guiding youth, families caring across households and generations, and community stepping in to support when challenges arise.
When families have support early, children thrive. These supports are not just services, they are relationships, culture, and community care. Every act that strengthens a family is an act of prevention, whether through time, teachings, or showing up for one another. Prevention efforts are strongest when they are led by Tribal communities and reflect each Tribe’s traditions and strengths.
Ways to Engage and Support Community
- Participate in Tribal or community-led events
- Wear blue on April 10
- Share resources and information with families and relatives
- Connect families to Tribal programs and supports
- Support and uplift community-led prevention efforts
Resources and Ways to Support Our Children and Families
Pinwheels are available in limited quantities on a first come, first served basis. Proceeds support community prevention efforts through the Children’s Trust of Washington.
Free coloring pages, stickers, and pinwheel posters are also available. To request materials, email strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov.
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Local Community Events
Children of the Earth Powwow
April 25, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
Visit Children of the Earth Pow Wow for information.
Native Art Market
April 25, 2026 | Evergreen State College - Olympia, WA
Visit Events, Markets and Exhibits | The Evergreen State College for information.
Suquamish Renewal Powwow
April 25, 2026 – Suquamish, WA
Visit Suquamish Renewal Powwow & Jam | Facebook for information.
Columbia River Round Dance
In honor of Missing & Murdered Indigenous People
May 1, 2026 - The Dalles, OR
For information, contact Charlieann at (503) 878-1847 or cherkshan@critfc.org.
Pauline Flett Powwow
May 2, 2026 – Spokane, WA
Visit Pauline Flett Powwow | Flett Middle School for information.
First Tribal Member appointed to state Professional Educator Standards Board
"Puyallup Tribal Member Jennifer Vasilez was appointed to the Professional Educator Standards Board in January by Gov. Bob Ferguson, becoming the first member of a Tribe to serve on the board."Read the full article.
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