NATIVE Project Grand Opening 

Article written by L.J. Adkinson - ICW Program Consultant/Tribal Liaison Region 1

On March 25, 2025, the NATIVE Project a Recognized Native American Organization in Spokane, WA, celebrated the grand opening of the NATIVE Project’s new Children and Youth Services Center Building. In total, $11 million was raised to build the four story, 15,000 square foot building that will serve the at-risk youth in Spokane. Toni Lodge, CEO of the NATIVE Project, thanked the Spokane Community for their support and donations that will serve the at-risk youth in wellness and behavioral health services.

“Every neighborhood should have one of these, a Children & Youth Services Building. This is how we do prevention; this is community, this is our culture.” – Toni Lodge, CEO of The NATIVE Project

Welcome Natalie Adams, Tribal Foster Care Licensing Consultant 

Hello! My name is Natalie Adams (she/her), and I’m honored to serve as the new Tribal Foster Care Licensing Consultant with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Office of Tribal Relations (OTR).

I was born and raised in Spokane, WA, where I grew up watching my mom, a social worker, walk alongside others as they navigated complex systems. From a young age, I was fortunate to have empathy, advocacy, and problem-solving modeled for me, which are values that continue to guide my work today.

Over the past 13 years, I’ve served children, youth, families, and other vulnerable populations in a variety of roles. I began my career as a Child Life Specialist at a children’s hospital and worked in a residential inpatient and outpatient program supporting youth with at-risk behaviors, mental health needs, and substance use challenges. I also worked as a housing case manager for youth experiencing homelessness and later joined an integrated behavioral health team at a community health center, where I saw firsthand how policy and systemic barriers impact health and well-being.

Since joining DCYF in 2019 as an ICW CPS/FAR social service specialist, I’ve deepened my understanding of the critical importance of government-to-government relationships and culturally responsive approaches to child safety. My time working with tribal communities has profoundly shaped my perspective on family preservation and strengthened my commitment to honoring Tribal Sovereignty.

In my most recent roles as a home study specialist, Assessment/Home Study Supervisor, and Regional Licensing Supervisor, I’ve worked to amplify tribal voices and promote practices that respect tribal autonomy. I believe my experience in licensing, combined with a deep passion for education, collaboration, and advocacy, will help foster stronger partnerships between tribes and DCYF.

It is a privilege to walk alongside tribes in this work and I’m excited to continue partnering with the DCYF Licensing Division in this new capacity to improve access, enhance collaboration, and help shape practices that uphold Tribal Sovereignty.

Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking in the woods or paddleboarding with my partner and our dog. I love the moody weather of the Pacific Northwest and enjoy unwinding with a good book, a cup of tea, and music.

If you have questions or would like to connect with me, please email me at Natalie.Adams@dcyf.wa.gov.

Call for Presenters | ICYF 2025

Planning for this year's virtual Indigenous, Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) conference is underway! The Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) is currently accepting session proposals. We are looking for sessions that will build the knowledge and skills of those working with system-involved Native families.

Sessions will be held on Oct. 15, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Oct 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Submit your proposal to present at ICYF by filling out the Call to Presenters Form. 

The deadline to submit your proposal is July 1, 2025.