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DCYF Recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Join DCYF in recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Monday, Oct. 13. Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes that Native people are the first inhabitants of the Americas, including the lands that later became the United States. Falling on the same day as Columbus Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day encourages Americans to rethink and reevaluate our nation’s history. Support of this day is an effort to refocus Columbus Day, a holiday that glorifies Christopher Columbus and an exploration that led to the mass genocide of Native peoples.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day was first federally recognized by the Biden administration in 2021. While not a federal holiday, many states (including Washington) observe the 2nd Monday of October as an annual celebration honoring Native communities.
The initial proposal to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day came about in 1977 at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. The movement has since gained momentum, with support spreading to states, cities and towns across the U.S.
Local Events / Office Closures:
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all events taking place in Washington.
FFCBP Tribal Community Gatherings
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. Participants with lived experience in family support or child welfare services will receive a $90 gift card for their time.
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
Foster Care Negotiated Rule Making Updates
The draft WAC Chapter 148 was available for review by internal DCYF staff, NRM participants, external partners, and others in August. There were an impressive number of comments! We appreciate everyone’s voice. Community members and caregivers will be able to review the WAC during the public comment period in Winter 2026.
The Tribal Engagement sessions will be held later this winter. Invitations will be sent by the Office of Tribal Relations to Tribal partners.
If you have general questions, contact the Foster Care NRM team at dcyf.fostercarenrm@dcyf.wa.gov, or you can check out the Foster Care WAC Amendments webpage for the latest project updates.
DCYF 2026 Legislative Session Webinar Recording
If you missed the webinar covering DCYF's Agency Request Legislation and Decision Package submissions for the 2026 Legislative Session, check out the recording and slides by visiting our Government Affairs webpage.
Early Learning Facilities Expansion and Maintenance Grant
The Early Learning Facilities 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 contractors and Working Connections Child Care providers to expand, remodel, purchase, or construct early learning facilities and classrooms necessary to support early learning opportunities for children from low-income households.
The application period closes at 5 p.m. on Oct. 31, 2025. For full program and grant information, and for office hours, visit Early Learning Facilities Program – WA Dept. of Commerce.
Tribal Title IV-E Plan Development Grants
This funding opportunity provides 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. Deadline to apply: Jan. 12, 2026. For information and to apply, visit Grants.gov.
Mid-Level Medical Provider/Kalispel Tribe of Indians
No closing date.
Apply online: Mid-Level Medical Provider | Kalispel Tribe of Indians
Investigation and Prosecution of Non-Fatal Strangulation Case | National Indian Country Training Initiative
Nov. 3-6, 2025 | Virtual
The Department of Justice's National Indian Country Training Initiative, together with the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, is hosting an online training titled The Investigation and Prosecution of the Non-Fatal Strangulation Case. This training will be held on four consecutive afternoons. To register: Register Program - USA-Webex.
New Resources for Tribal/State Case Managers & ICWA Advocates
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) has announced several new resources to support compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and responding to the needs of Native children and families.
Great Washington ShakeOut
This year's ShakeOut Day is Thursday, Oct. 16, when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!
At 10:16 a.m. (local time) on Oct. 16, you can join millions of people across Washington practicing earthquake safety – including staff at DCYF! While we encourage you to participate with everyone, you can register your ShakeOut drill for any day of the year, and drill at a time of your choice.
If you live or work in a coastal area, ShakeOut day is also a great time to practice your tsunami evacuation routes. Learn more about tsunami preparedness at TsunamiZone.org.
Helpful Resources:
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Local Community Events
Cowlitz Indian Tribe: Pathways to Healing - For All Generations Event
Oct. 18, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DuPont Tribal Office, DuPont, WA
For information and to register, visit For All Generations Event.
ENAEP 2025 Honoring our Youth Pow Wow
Oct. 25, 2025 | 6 p.m.
Lake Washington Resource Center, Kirkland, WA
Visit ENAEP 2025 Honoring our Youth Pow Wow – Pow Wow Calendar for information.
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