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Oct. 15-16, 2025 | Virtual
To view the agenda and to register, visit www.dcyf.wa.gov/ICYF-2025.
The agenda for the upcoming 2025 Indigenous Children, Youth & Families (ICYF) conference is now available online. Taking place on Oct. 15-16, this virtual event gathers caregivers, tribal partners, caseworkers, early learning providers, and juvenile rehabilitation staff to learn together and improve our shared practice.
Keynote speakers this year include Tim Reynon, Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs, and Lenny Hayes with Tate Topa Consulting, LLC. Over the two-day conference, attendees will hear from more than 30 professionals on a variety of topics, all with a focus on best serving Indigenous children, youth, and families in Washington state.
Tribal Community Gatherings | Family First Community-Based Pathways
DCYF is working on a new approach called Family First Community-Based Pathways (FFCBP) — a way to help families get connected to trusted support early, before a crisis happens. We want to learn from Native families, Elders, caregivers, and community members about the supports you need, what’s working well, and how we can honor Tribal culture and traditions in all of these supports. Your voice will help shape how supports for families are designed and delivered across Washington.
Tribal Elders, parents, caregivers, service providers, and community members are encouraged to attend. Participants with lived experience in family support or child welfare services will receive a $90 gift card for their time.
Region 1 - Spokane Tribal Community Gathering
In partnership with The Native Project
Oct. 14, 2025 | 5:45 to 8 p.m.
Spokane Public Montessori
Register here
Region 5 - Poulsbo Tribal Community Gathering
In partnership with the Suquamish Tribe
Oct. 21, 2025 | 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
15801 Creative Drive NE, Poulsbo, WA
Register here
Region 4 - Seattle Tribal Community Gathering
In partnership with United Indians of All Tribes
Oct. 22, 2025 | 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center
Register here
Other dates will be announced soon. For information about locations and dates, contact Shannel Squally-Janzen, OTR Tribal Prevention Consultant, at shannel.squally-janzen@dcyf.wa.gov.
DCYF 2026 Legislative Session Webinar
Oct. 2, 2025 | | 1 to 2 p.m.
DCYF is hosting a webinar from 1 to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, to provide updates on our Agency Request Legislation and Decision Package submissions for the 2026 Legislative Session. You will learn about what’s in the proposals and have an opportunity to ask questions. 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.
Join Webinar
Webinar ID: 874 0612 3588
Passcode: 735143
Call in Number: 253 215 8782
For questions, please contact Government Affairs at dcyf.govaffairs@dcyf.wa.gov.
Early Learning Facilities Expansion and Maintenance Grant
The Early Learning Facilities (ELF) program supports Washington’s commitment to develop additional high quality early learning opportunities for children from low-income households. The program aims to help Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) contractors and Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) providers to expand, remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms necessary to support early learning opportunities for children from low-income households.
ELF funding is open to nonprofits, public entities, K-12 schools and districts, tribes and for-profit businesses.
The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2025.
We encourage you to utilize the new “Live” Office Hours that will be provided for this funding round. For full program and grant information, and for office hours, visit Early Learning Facilities Program – Washington State Department of Commerce.
Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grants
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide one-time awards to eligible applicants for the development of plans to implement Tribal title IV-E foster care, adoption assistance, and guardianship assistance programs. Award funding may be used to develop data collection systems, establish cost-allocation methodologies, formulate agency and tribal court procedures necessary to meet case review system requirements under section 475(5) of the Social Security Act, and cover any other expenses required to meet the approval criteria for a title IV-E plan. This approach ensures that all necessary components are in place for the successful implementation of Tribal title IV-E programs.
Application deadline: Jan. 12, 2026
For information and to apply, visit Grants.gov.
Director, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice/DCYF
Position closes: Oct. 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: Director, Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice | Career Pages
MMIWP Cold Case Unit Investigator/Analyst Supervisor\WA State Attorney General’s Office
Position closes: Sep. 24, 2025 at 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: AGO Investigator/Analyst Supervisor, Criminal Justice Division | Career Pages
LGBTQ Youth Advisory Council
Washington State LGBTQ Commission’s Youth Advisory Council is currently accepting applications for new members. We have two open spots to fill on the council. The Youth Advisory Council brings together LGBTQ+ youth from across Washington to advise the Commission, help shape statewide priorities, and ensure that young voices are represented in policy discussions.
Application deadline: Oct. 6, 2025
Visit LGBTQ+ Youth Advisory Council Application for information and to apply.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (or “Orange Shirt Day”), a holiday celebrated in Canada and honored by many in the United States.
Alongside our relatives in Canada, we honor September 30 as a day to reconcile and share the truth about the experience of Indigenous children within government-run boarding schools. This is a day to center Native stories, truths, and people.
Orange Shirt Day originates from the story of Phyllis Webstad from the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation. In 1973, on her first day at St. Joseph’s Residential School in Williams Lake, BC, Phyllis’s new orange shirt was stripped from her body. Watch Phyllis Webstad present her memories of residential schools and the meaning of Orange Shirt Day: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3vUqr01kAk&t=1s.
For healing resources, visit The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.
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Missing Indigenous Person Resources | Washington State Patrol
The Missing & Unidentified Persons Unit (MUPU) assists law enforcement agencies and parents in locating missing persons. If you have reported a missing child and need assistance in locating the child, contact MUPU's toll-free, 24-hour number at 1-800-543-5678 or email MUPU@wsp.wa.gov. Please note – Local law enforcement must be notified before MUPU can become involved.
If you are a family member of a missing person and would like their photo to be included on the Washington State Patrol Missing Person’s website, please contact:
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Missing and Unidentified Persons Unit mupu@wsp.wa.gov (800) 543-5678
- Or your WSP Tribal Liaison:
Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation | Office on Violence Against Women
Join the National Indigenous Women's Resource Center for virtual office hours to receive support in developing testimony for the 20th Annual Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Government-to-Government Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation. These collaborative sessions will help Tribal leaders and designated representatives craft impactful testimony that reflects their communities' needs, priorities, and concerns regarding violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women. Visit 20th Annual OVW Tribal Consultation Office Hours | NIWRC for information.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month
Mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. This year the National Alliance on Mental Illness's goal is to ensure that people have access to the tools, resources and support they need to talk openly about suicide prevention, recognize warning signs and seek help.
This month: Start a Conversation. Be the Difference. With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing and being ready to truly listen can save lives. No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation.
It is important for caregivers to recognize possible warning signs and risk factors and learn how to support a person who is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you are in crisis, call 988. The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Free Water Testing Program | WA Department of Health
DCYF requires child care and early learning programs in Washington state to test their drinking and cooking water for lead and copper when getting licensed and every six years after. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) offers a free mail-in water testing program that fulfills this WAC requirement.
DOH mails all needed supplies and instructions to sites to collect their own water samples and send them back to the lab for testing. If test results show lead levels are too high, grant funding is available to reimburse providers for the cost of replacing fixtures that tested high for lead.
For more information or to register for the free mail in water testing program, visit Lead in Child Care Drinking Water webpage. Questions? Reach out to leadfreekids@doh.wa.gov.
Indigenous Artist Partnership with NICCA
The National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) announced an opportunity to collaborate with an Indigenous artist as the organization updates their logo. The final logo will be featured on NICCA’s website and across all of their social media platforms, with the completed design due by Oct. 10, 2025. Artists can email support@nicca.us with examples of their work (links, images, or PDFs) along with a few short lines about why they would like this opportunity.
Local Community Events
Nooksack Days Stick Game & Pow Wow
Sep. 19 to Sep. 28, 2025
Contact Anna Brewer at abrewer@nooksack-sns.gov for information.
Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow
Sep. 27, 2025
Longview, WA
Visit 26th Cowlitz Indian Tribe Pow Wow | AllEvents for information.
Orange Shirt Day - Native Storytime
Sep. 28, 2025 | 12 to 1 p.m.
Multnomah County Library, Central Library
801 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR
Visit Multnomah County Library for information.
National Day of Remembrance - Boarding School Awareness Gathering
Sep. 30, 2025 | 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Tulalip Gathering Hall
For questions, contact Santana Shopbell-Proehl at sshopbell-proehl@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
Orange Shirt Day Event - Fort Spokane Visitor Center
Sep. 30, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, Davenport, WA
Join the Orange Shirt Day event to raise awareness about the history of boarding schools. Disclaimer: this event may be triggering and is recommended for ages 14 and older. For information, contact Penny Spencer at pennys@spokanetribalnetwork.org.
Puyallup Tribe’s Every Child Matters Event
Sep. 30, 2025 | 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Children of the River Child Advocacy Center, Tacoma, WA
Visit Orange Shirt Day-CRCAC Event | Puyallup Tribe for more information.
Indigenous Arts Festival
Oct. 4-5, 2025
Gresham History Museum, Gresham, OR
Visit Indigenous Arts Festival for information.
Olympic Peninsula 4th Annual ICWA Conference
Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sequim, WA
Register here
Unkitawa’s Indigenous Days
Oct. 11, 2025
Kent, WA
Visit Unkitawa's Indigenous Day | City of Kent for information.
Indigenous Peoples' Day Celebration
Oct. 13, 2025
Barbie's Village, Portland, OR
Visit wisdomoftheelders.org for information.
Culture is Prevention | Staff Spotlight
By Shannel Squally-Janzen, DCYF Tribal Prevention Specialist
Prevention is not just about the services offered—it runs deeper. Prevention is rooted in connection, in relationships, and in community. That is why I believe so strongly that “Culture is prevention.” I have seen this in my own life, and I have seen it in the lives of so many others.
Culture is more than traditions or ceremonies—it is a way of living that keeps us strong. When we know our language, live our traditions, and stay connected with our communities, we are healthier and more resilient. Culture gives us the support we need to make it through difficult times.
Our ancestors knew this. They carried traditions forward so that we could be here today. It brings me joy to see our people still living those teachings, because this is what strengthens our youth, our families, and the generations still to come. Culture builds identity, belonging, and resilience—and that is prevention.
This also reminds me why it is so important to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act. Native children need to remain in their communities—not only for their own growth, but for the strength and survival of their people. Culture is not only prevention-it is survival, strength, and hope.
WA State Preliminary Report into Indian Boarding School History
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office (AGO), under the guidance and leadership of a Truth and Healing Tribal Advisory Committee, released a preliminary report on the history of Indian boarding schools in Washington, outlining next steps the committee and the AGO will undertake as they aim to help policymakers address the harmful legacies of these institutions.
Read the announcement and full report.
The Silent Crisis: Suicide Among Native Americans Reflects Global Mental Health Emergency
"September 10 is recognized worldwide World Suicide Prevention Day. On this day, the global community pauses to reflect on a tragic reality: over 700,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This means one life is lost every 40 seconds. Yet beneath this staggering number lies a deeper crisis faced by marginalized communities, including Native Americans, whose suicide rates far outpace national and global averages."
Read the full article: The Silent Crisis | Native News Online
Indigenous American Nations map installed at Waller Road Elementary
"A simple conversation between a Waller Road student, Jesse, and Curriculum Developer & School Liaison Patricia Conway has led to real change at Waller Road Elementary School."
Read the full article: Indigenous American Nations map installed | Puyallup Tribe
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