Throughout the week, participants engaged in conversations around traditional Native parenting practices, healing, resilience, and community connection. The training created space not only for learning the curriculum, but also for relationship-building, reflection, and sharing cultural knowledge and experiences with one another.
One special evening included a cultural craft night led by the Colville Tribes Language Department, where participants learned how to make ?ima’sp’alx (root baskets) using yarn and hemp while learning about traditional teachings connected to the practice.
The week concluded with a closing ceremony where participants shared what they were taking away from the experience and brushed each other off with sage. The training was filled with laughter, healing, learning, and connection while continuing to strengthen culturally grounded parenting resources for Native families and communities across Washington.
DCYF is grateful to the Colville Tribes, NICWA, facilitators, and all participants who helped make the week meaningful and successful.
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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)/Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Open Until Filled
Apply online: Registered Dietician Nutritionist - Toppenish, WA
Government-to-Government Training | GOIA
Multiple dates available
Sponsored by the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA), this one-day course provides state employees with a comprehensive understanding of Tribes, their people, and unique culture. Covering a Tribal historical perspective, legal issues, Tribal sovereignty, and Tribal government, the training aims to enhance your awareness of the importance of multi-culturalism and your relationship with Washington state’s 29 Tribes.
For more information, visit Department of Enterprise Services (DES).
John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial
The Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington state (or other Tribally-developed curriculum) is required to be taught in all Washington state schools. The curriculum has been endorsed by all 29 federally recognized Tribes. Visit the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website for more information.
Owówičhak’u Wašté First Foods Access Pantry
Pronunciation: O-wo-wi-cha-k-oo Wa-sh-tay
Lakota to English translation: A place to nourish the people
Owówičhak’u Wašté First Foods Access Pantry is reestablishing communal connection to traditional food and diets in an urban setting. The program is guided by the teaching that food is medicine and guided by the responsibility people have to maintain reciprocal relationships with all living relatives.
The pantry is open to everyone and is designed to provide equitable access to traditional foods and medicines. Visit Owówičhak’u Wašté First Foods Access Pantry | Unkitawa for information.
Upcoming Local Events
Canoe Journey 2026
July 31 – Aug. 5, 2026
Hosted by the Nisqually Tribe, Canoe Journey 2026 (Paddle to Nisqually Medicine Creek Potlatch) continues an inter-Tribal celebration and annual gathering of Northwest Indigenous Nations. The annual Tribal journey in the Pacific Northwest region was sparked by the Paddle to Seattle in 1989 as part of Washington state’s Centennial celebration.
For more information:
Daybreak Star SupaMan Performance
June 11, 2026 | Seattle, WA
Visit King Street Station for Setting of the Daybreak Star, a series of plaza concerts hosted by United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, Daybreak Star Radio Network. This series of events on the King Street Station Plaza creates an urban sanctuary where participants can gather in celebration as the day transitions to evening. The programs highlight Indigenous performers, creating an accessible entry point for communities to engage with Native music and cultural traditions.
For more information, visit Seattle Arts Events.
Lummi Stommish Water Festival
June 18 – 21, 2026 | Bellingham, WA
The Lummi Stommish Water Festival celebrates “culture, community, and warriors of the past and present.” First held in 1946 to welcome home Lummi veterans returning from World War II, the festival has become a multi-day event featuring canoe races, traditional song and dance, a Sla-Hal stick game tournament, a salmon barbecue and more.
Puyallup Tribe World Cup Pow-wow
June 19 – 21, 2026 | Tacoma, WA
The World Cup Pow-wow brings together dancers, drummers, families and visitors for a powerful cultural gathering during the height of World Cup excitement. Open to the public, this multi-day event celebrates living Native culture through intertribal dance, songs, regalia and community connection through performance and competition. Visit Puyallup All Together for information.
Native Youth Leadership Prevention Summit
June 23 – 26, 2026
The American Indian Health Commission (AIHC) is looking to recruit 10 Native Youth Leaders, ages 14-26, for a Youth Leadership Committee to participate in the planning committee for our upcoming Native Youth Prevention Summit. Sign up to join the Native Youth Prevention Leadership Committee.
Muckleshoot Veterans Pow-wow
June 26 – 28, 2026 | Auburn, WA
This event is held on the Muckleshoot Pow-Wow grounds, with grand entry beginning at 7 p.m. For information, see the event flyer. Contact Charles Williams for questions at (253) 337-3088.
Indian Days Pow-wow
July 17 – 19, 2026 | Seattle, WA
More than 20,000 people attend the annual Indian Days Powwow at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center in Seattle’s Discovery Park. The three-day event showcases traditional food, music and dance, plus a vendor market with jewelry, clothing and other work from Indigenous vendors.
Indigenous leader reflects on 55 years in Indian Country | The Chronicle
"Mel Tonasket says the modern history of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation is defined by a single turning point: the decision to reject federal termination, and the decades of work that followed to rebuild tribal sovereignty and influence." Read the full article.
National Indigenous History Month
"June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis." Visit the National Indigenous History Month webpage for more information.
Culture Day 2026: Students Immersed in Hands-on Cultural Experiences | Puyallup Tribe
"Students were constantly in motion, rotating through an assortment of different stations and activities throughout campus at Chief Leschi Schools Culture Day on May 8." Read the full article.
Fourth Annual Honorary Alumni Dinner Celebrates Sobriety | Puyallup Tribe
"Sobriety took center stage at the fourth annual alumni honorary dinner on May 8 at the Emerald Queen Casino Ballroom & Conference Center in Fife." Read the full article.
Canoe Journey: Day One (Squaxin to Nisqually)
YouTube Link
Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations - 2026 Expansion Campaign
YouTube Link
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