Centennial Accord Highlights
By Cassie Anderson, Director of DCYF's Office of Tribal Relations
DCYF was honored to attend Washington State’s 36th Annual Centennial Accord, where we witnessed a historic moment: Governor Ferguson's signing of an executive order designed to strengthen how Washington consults and collaborates with Tribal Nations. This action marks a significant step forward in honoring Tribal sovereignty and deepening government-to-government relationships across the state.
The event was both powerful and inspiring, highlighting the incredible leadership and dedication of Washington’s Tribes. DCYF is deeply grateful for the opportunity to stand alongside Tribal leaders — to listen, learn, and continue building partnerships rooted in mutual respect and shared purpose.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe for their warm hospitality and for hosting such a meaningful gathering.
DCYF Honors Native American Heritage Month
November 1 marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month. What started at the turn of the century as an effort to gain a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the U.S., has resulted in a whole month being designated for that purpose.
Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every year in November to honor and celebrate the culture, traditions, history, and contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives. This celebration is an opportunity to educate ourselves and better understand the history of our nation and its people.
Welcome Kebreab Hailegiorgis (KB), Active Efforts Navigator
KB has more than 15 years of experience in child welfare in different positions. KB has served as the Family First Program Consultant for region 4 from September 2021 to September 2024. KB was also a Coach/Trainer at the Alliance for Child welfare excellence for three years after his service as CPS, FVS, FRS social service specialist. KB has had multiple community engagements, including Board Secretary at Eritrean Community Connections, a not-for-profit organization aimed at offering psychosocial support to refugee families. KB is married to his college sweetheart and has three children (23, 21, and 16 years old). KB loves reading non-fiction books and working on backyard in his free time.
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ICYF Conference Wrap-Up
By Rachel Mason, OTR Training Coordinator
DCYF's Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) is proud to share the successful completion of the 6th annual Indigenous Children, Youth and Families (ICYF) Conference on Oct. 15-16. This year's theme of Restoring Balance: Healing Ourselves and Strengthening Our Communities was felt strongly throughout the conference. With nearly five hundred registered participants, this year's conference included DCYF employees from across divisions, Washington State Tribes, out-of-state Tribes, Native Serving Organizations, Juvenile court teams, service providers, caregivers and more.
The Opening Keynote was a powerful start to the two-day conference. Executive Director of the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs, Tim Reynon, shared a moving and heartfelt message in his keynote titled, "Who you are and where you come from; Why you are here; You are not alone."
Uplifted and energized by Director Reynon's opening words, participants dived into a rich variety of topics from juvenile justice reform, culturally appropriate service delivery, youth leadership, historical and intergenerational trauma, infant and toddler mental health, nature-based education and more. The healing power of community and culture was present in nearly every session, despite the wide variety of topics.
Our conference ended with Lenny Hayes' Closing Keynote, "A Journey of Healing: A Cultural Perspective." Executive Director of Tate Topa Consulting, Lenny Hayes, shared with participants a journey of overcoming significant hardship to arrive where Lenny is today, as a mental health professional serving tribal communities.
OTR would like to express sincere gratitude to our partner, The Alliance for Professional Development, Training, and Caregiver Excellence, in addition to the presenters for the wisdom, insights and energy shared with us in ICYF 2025. We were honored to host an incredible cohort of presenters.
Although the federal government shutdown is not currently impacting DCYF services and programs, we are very concerned about disruptions to other federal supports that affect the families we serve. Read the full article.
Unsung Hero Award Nominations Now Open
DCYF is now accepting Unsung Hero Award nominations for 2026! Do you know a parent, caregiver, guardian, or community member you’d like to recognize?
Send us your nomination to strengtheningfamilies@dcyf.wa.gov. For more information, visit our What's New blog.
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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.
Understanding Concrete Goods
Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 | 6 to 8 p.m.
Hear from DCYF Community Support Services Program Manager, Jess Stigile, about the various types of short-term economic assistance available to families in Child Welfare programs and review additional basic need resources for families offered through other DCYF, state, and community-based service programs.
Note: To see and register for a training, you will need to log in to your existing Alliance profile or create a new one. Register Here
Upcoming Local Events
Clark College Pow Wow - Vancouver, WA
Nov. 7, 2025 | 5 p.m.
Northern Quest Dance Championships
Nov. 8, 2025 | 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To submit an audition video, join the Northern Quest Dance Championships Facebook group and follow the posted rules. For more information, visit Northern Quest Resort & Casino | Northern Quest Dance Championships.
Tribal Artisan & Vendor Fair
Nov. 6-9, 2025 | 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free to Attend Shop unique and handcrafted goods from Native vendors. Northern Quest Resort & Casino | Native American Heritage Month
Governor Ferguson sets new foundation for state agencies to foster partnerships with Tribal Nations
"Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order setting out new requirements and steps for state agencies to improve Washington’s government-to-government relationship with our state’s tribes." Read the full article.
Washington State History Museum Opens ‘This is Native Land’ Exhibit
"A new permanent exhibit honoring Native American history debuted in the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma on Sunday. The exhibit, “This is Native Land,” is in the museum’s Great Hall of Washington History." Read the full Seattle Times article.
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