NICWA's 34th Annual Conference Agenda Book 2016 by National Indian Child Welfare Association

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Table of Contents

Welcome Letters .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... 4–8 Local Planning Committee and Culture Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ 9 NICWA Board of Directors .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 10 Meet the NICWA Staff .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 11 We’re Here for You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 12 Member of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 13 Conference Schedule .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 14–15 General Sessions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 16–18 How to Use the Conference App . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 19 Welcome from Host Sponsor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 20 Workshops by Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 21–24 Membership Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 25 Banquet and Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 26–27 Champion for Native Children .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 28–29 About the Conference Artwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 30 Upcoming Trainings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .......... 31 Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 32–33 Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 34–35

Conference Schedule At A Glance Sunday, April 3

Monday, April 4

Tuesday, April 5

Wednesday, April 6

3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Registration

7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Registration

7:30 a.m.–Noon Registration

8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Workshops F

4:30 p.m. Presenter Orientation

8:30 a.m.–Noon Opening General Session

8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. General Session

10:30 a.m.–Noon Closing General Session

6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Reception and Annual Membership Meeting

1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Workshops A 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Workshops B 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Legal Professionals’ Coffee Break 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Culture Night

10:30 a.m.–Noon Workshops C 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Workshops D 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Workshops E 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Dinner Banquet

6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Adoptees’ Gathering

Dear NICWA Members and Conference Attendees, On behalf of the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s board of directors, I am pleased to welcome you to St. Paul, Minnesota, for the 34th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. In the last year, NICWA welcomed two new youth board members, and we are very pleased to introduce them to you at this conference. Please join me in welcoming Teressa Baldwin (Inupiaq) and Cassondra Church (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi) to our board of directors. They are already making important contributions by bringing the perspective and experience of young people into our board meetings, and you will see Cassondra sharing the master of ceremonies role during our general sessions and banquet throughout the conference. At this year’s conference, you will have many opportunities to hear about and celebrate the exciting work moving forward at the national level to create positive change in the lives of Native children. Several federal officials will join a panel discussion about inter-agency collaboration and the next steps at the national level to protect and promote the well-being of Native children. In addition, I invite you to join me in honoring Kevin Washburn, the former Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs at the Department of the Interior, at our banquet Tuesday night as he receives our annual Champion for Native Children Award in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of our children and families. Our 2016 conference theme encourages us all to imagine how far we have come in seven generations, and how we can continue our ancestors’ work to create positive change in our communities together for our children, and for the children who will carry on our legacy seven generations from now. As always, I am honored to serve the organization, and you, as NICWA board president. I sincerely hope you find our time together in St. Paul valuable, enjoyable, and beneficial to the vital work that you do, and that you return to your communities inspired to carry our work forward for the next seven generations. Thank you,

Gil Vigil (Tesuque Pueblo) President, Board of Directors National Indian Child Welfare Association

Dear NICWA Conference Participants, It is with great joy that I welcome you to the 34th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. On the heels of our record-breaking conference in 2015, we are poised for another productive and inspiring gathering of child welfare, children’s mental health, juvenile justice, court and law enforcement, and social services professionals from across the United States and Canada. It is good to be in the Twin Cities. The Indian community here is strong and vibrant, and the partnership and support we have received from tribal governments is critical for a meaningful, impactful conference. Our conference theme, “Voices of our Ancestors: Focusing on the Seventh Generation,” has helped to direct our plenary session and workshops topics. The amazing array of presenters who have agreed to share their knowledge, experience, and wisdom with us—some longtime favorite NICWA presenters and some welcome first timers—are up to the task of describing the realization of our theme. I would like to thank our many sponsors, without whom this conference would not be possible. Your support for this work facilitates professional development and peer learning for hundreds of Indian Country frontline workers and program directors. Our local planning committee has helped to shape our conference offerings and has planned an exciting culture night for you on Monday evening; we appreciate their hard work. We owe a debt of gratitude to the volunteers on whom we depend to provide you with a pleasant, professional, responsive conference experience. Finally, NICWA’s board of directors and annual conference team have worked hard year round to deliver this conference. We hope you have a wonderful experience learning from one another and making connections that support more effective programming in your community and better outcomes for our American Indian and Alaska Native children. Please make sure to join us for the dinner banquet on Tuesday for a relaxing and fun night that also affords us the opportunity to honor the 2016 Champion for Native Children, enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation, former Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, and courageous friend of Indian Country, Kevin Washburn. Sincerely,

Sarah Kastelic, PhD Executive Director

CITY OF SAINT PAUL Mayor Christopher B. Colman

390 City Hall 15 West Kellogg Boulevard Saint Paul, Minnesota 55102

Telephone: 651-266-8510 Facsimile: 651-228-8521

February 25, 2015 Dear friends, I am honored to welcome you to the City of St. Paul for the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s 34th Annual “Protecting Our Children, National American Indian Conference on Child abuse and neglect, on April 3–6, 2016 Child abuse and neglect is a complex and ongoing problem in our society, affecting many children in the city of Saint Paul, and across our state and nation. Every child deserves to be loved and cared for. Thank you for the work you’re doing not only during this conference, but every day, as you focus on the needs of our children. While you are here, I hope you will have a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Saint Paul. Feel free to visit our website, Stpaul.gov, to learn more about the Cities many attractions and to identify venues you would like to explore during your free time. Again, on behalf of the city of Saint Paul, I would like to welcome you to our city. Sincerely,

Christopher B. Coleman Mayor

AL FRANKEN

SUITE SH-309 202-224-5641

MINNESOTA

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-2309

April 3, 2016

National Indian Child Welfare Association 5100 SW Macadam Ave, Ste 300 Portland, OR 97239 Dear Friends, Welcome to St. Paul for the 34th Annual Protecting Our Children National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. As a Minnesota Senator, I am honored to represent the seven Chippewa reservations, four Dakota communities, and a vibrant urban Indian community in our state, I’m also proud to serve tribes in Minnesota and across the country as a member of the Senate Committee on Indian affairs. As you know all too well, the U.S. government is falling short on its commitments to Indian country. Tribes across the country face major challenges, from crumbling schools and unsafe roads to poor health and high crime rates. Each of these challenges has an impact on the lives of Native American children. You are here because you are committed to improving children’s lives. This conference is a great opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences and to find out how to best utilize limited resources. Ultimately, we need to expand the resources available. I’ll keep fighting in Congress to do just that. I hope you enjoy your time in St. Paul, and I look forward to working with you to create a better future for Indian country. Sincerely,

Al Franken United States Senator

BETTY McCOLLUM

COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

4 t h D i s t r i c t M i n n e s o ta

M NU

2256 Rayburn house office building Washington, DC 20515 (202) 225-6631 Fax 202-225-1968 165 Western Avenue North Suite 17 St. Paul, MN 55102 (651) 224-9191 Fax: (651) 224-3056

United States House of Representatives

Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Subcommittee on Defense Subcommittee on Legislative Branch

CONGRESSIONAL GLOBAL HEALTH CAUCUS, CO-FOUNDER CONGRESSIONAL NATIVE AMERICAN CAUCUS CO-CHAIR

www.house.gov/mccollum

March 4, 2016 Welcome! It is my pleasure to welcome you to Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District in Saint Paul Minnesota for the national Indian Child welfare Association 34th annual protecting our children national American Indian conference on child abuse and neglect him when April 3rd April 6th, 2016 Your conference theme this year, “Voices of Our Ancestors: Focusing on the Seventh Generation” could not be more important as cochair of the Native American Clockus in Congress, I am profoundly grateful to you for the work you were doing on behalf of American Indian and Alaska native children and families across the country. I send you my warmest regards and best wishes for a successful conference. I hope you will take time to explore the rich history and scenic wonders that Saint Paul has to offer. Sincerely,

Betty McCollum Member of Congress

Thank You, Local Planning Committee!

This year, we were fortunate to have an active and enthusiastic local planning committee who volunteered time out of their busy schedules to help bring our event together. It is only with their help and dedication that we had the ability to connect with members of local tribes and organizations, ensuring a diverse and well-represented conference. Representing our local planning committee this year are: Jill Kehaulani Esch (Native Hawaiian), St. Paul, MN Candace LaGou (Red Lake Nation), Red Lake, MN Michelle Pagel (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Onamia, MN Paul Day (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), Cass Lake, MN Julia (Bunny) Jaakola (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Cloquet, MN Sandy White Hawk (Sicangu Lakota/Rosebud Sioux Tribe), Shakopee, MN Laura Newton (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe), Minneapolis, MN

A Culture Night to Remember Join us for this fantastic celebration of local Native culture! Monday, April 4, 2016 6:00 p.m.—9:00 p.m. Minnesota Grand Ballroom We would like to give special thanks to the local planning committee for being a vital connection into their community and introducing us to our entertainment for culture night.

Tall Paul

Tall Paul, born Paul Wenell, Jr., (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In his music, Tall Paul reflects on his experience of growing up in an urban landscape and raps in both English and Anishinaabemowin, his Indigenous language. He is a leader in his community, currently working for the Division of Indian Work in a community-led initiative to close the achievement gap for American Indian students.

Oshkii Giizchiik Singers

Oshkii Giizhik Singers, an all-female Anishinaabe group, have been singing together nearly 10 years. Along the way, they’ve experienced many memorable experiences throughout Indian Country. Among these, they point to the St. Scholastica’s Native Music festival, recording their CD, winning and performing at the Nammys, bringing hundreds of women together at their hand drum workshops, performing at the New Native Theater, and attending the Idle No More rallies as being integral to all the new friendships and bonds that continue to inspire them. 9

Welcome

The board and staff of NICWA welcome you to the 34th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect.

NICWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gil Vigil (Tesuque Pueblo), President Rochelle Ettawageshik (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), Vice President W. Alex Wesaw (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), Secretary Gary Peterson (Skokomish), Treasurer Teressa Baldwin (Inupiaq) Patricia Carter-Goodheart (Nez Perce) Cassondra Church (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi) Angela Connor (Choctaw) Paul Day (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) Jennifer Elliott (Sac and Fox) Donne Fleagle (Athabaskan) Jocelyn Formsma (Swampy Cree) Debra Foxcroft (Tseshaht) Linda Logan (Oklahoma Choctaw) Luke Madrigal (Cahuilla Band of Indians) Aurene Martin (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) Robbie McGhee (Poarch Band of Creek Indians) Theodore Nelson, Sr. (Seminole Tribe of Florida) Mary Tenorio (Santo Domingo Pueblo) Derek C. Valdo (Acoma Pueblo)

NICWA STAFF Sarah Kastelic (Alutiiq), Executive Director Nicole Adams (Colville), Executive Communications Manager Tia Begay (Diné), Financial Services Manager Kim Christensen (Ojibwe), Development Director Alexis Contreras (Grand Ronde), Project Coordinator Terry Cross (Seneca), Senior Advisor Valorie Gaede (Shoshone Bannock), Project Coordinator Jalynne Geddes (Cree), Fiscal Assistant Barbara Gladue (Anishinaabe), Family Engagement Specialist Monica Hawley (Ioway), Bookkeeper Brenda Hernandez Development Associate Sarah Hopper Operations Coordinator Cori Matthew (Salish and Blackfeet), Director of Programs & Policy Jen Rountree Research Manager Puneet Sahota Research Director Matthew Scott (Siletz), Director of Operations Lauren Shapiro Event Manager David E. Simmons Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy Alton Spencer Community Development Specialist Tristan Tipps-Webster Member Relations Manager Chandra Wilson (Klamath-Modoc), Human Resources Manager Sarah Wittmann Event Coordinator April Ybarra Executive Assistant to Sarah Kastelic and Library Specialist

We’re Here for You! Our annual conference is a time where participants experience respite from the demands of their usual daily lives. To make your experience better, we have set aside space in our host hotel where our attendees can rest, visit, or jump on the computer for bit.

Elders and Youth Lounge Great River Event Office 1st Floor Open Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m.−5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m.−Noon NICWA has reserved the Great River Event Office on the first floor near the Grand River Ballroom as lounge space specifically for elders and youth only. Elders and youth, please feel free to drop in to relax, sit with an activity, and enjoy our hospitality.

Computer Lounge Grand River Ballroom I 1st Floor Open Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m.−5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m.−Noon Thanks to Eaglesun Systems Products for hosting a computer lounge for conference guests to use. Check your email, print your boarding pass, prepare handouts, and connect with friends. Stop by the Grand River Ballroom I on the first floor to check out the lounge.

Healing Room Ask NICWA staff for location NICWA encourages you to take care of yourself. Our staff and board are available to you for confidential emotional and spiritual support in the event that you are triggered by any of the presentations or discussions throughout the conference. If you would like to receive support, please find a staff or board member, or go to the registration table for assistance. Staff and board members can be identified by their name tags—they will have ribbons that say either “board” or “staff” on them.

2016 NICWA MEMBER OF THE YEAR FRANK LaMERE

NICWA’s Member of the Year Award honors and recognizes an individual member of NICWA who has demonstrated outstanding service, contributions, and leadership in their profession as well as involvement as a member of NICWA. In 2016, we are delighted to report that this honor will be awarded to Frank LaMere (Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska). LaMere’s accomplishments and contributions to Indian Country stretch far and wide. He is a noted social and political activist from Nebraska and founder of the Memorial March to Honor Lost Children. He chairs the Community Initiative for Native Children and Families and facilitates the Four Directions Parenting Program in Sioux City, Iowa. LaMere is wellknown as the architect of the movement to stop the illegal flow of alcohol from Whiteclay, Nebraska, to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the 2003 passage of Iowa’s Indian Child Welfare Act. Among the many accolades he has earned for his lifetime of service to others are the 2001 Peacemaker of the Year award from Nebraskans for Peace and the 2011 War Eagle Human Rights Award from the City of Sioux City. Recognized by his home community as a selfless activist, LaMere has been recognized with a legislative resolution by the Nebraska Unicameral. He serves as a consultant to several boards and councils including a community health center, the Winnebago Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, and the Briar Cliff University Social Work Program. Congratulations to Frank LaMere on being selected as our Member of the Year!

Please join us at the Annual Membership Reception and Meeting on Sunday, April 3rd, from 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., in the Minnesota Grand Ballroom, where LaMere will receive his award.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2016 3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Registration Opens Minnesota Court 4:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Presenter Orientation and Registration Kellogg Suite 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Annual Membership Reception and Meeting Minnesota Grand Ballroom Featuring Keynote Speaker Art Martinez

MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2016 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Registration Minnesota Court

8:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m. Opening General Session Minnesota Grand Ballroom Conference Masters of Ceremonies Cassondra Church (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi), NICWA Board Member Aurene Martin (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), NICWA Board Member Welcome Local Tribal and State Leaders Panel: Federal Agencies’ Efforts to Strengthen the Well-Being of Native Children and Families Solicitor Hilary C. Tompkins (Navajo), U.S. Department of the Interior Sam Hirsch, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice Commissioner Rafael López, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Lawrence S. “Larry” Roberts (Oneida), Acting Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior 10:30 a.m.–Noon Panel: Learning from Youth with Lived Experience Jackie Malstrom (Akimel O’odham / Yaqui), Student Alecia McConnell (Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation), Student Moderator: Teressa Baldwin (Inupiaq), NICWA Board Member Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own) 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Session A Workshops 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Session B Workshops 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Legal Professionals’ Coffee Break Kellogg Suite

6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Culture Night Oshkii Giizhik Singers Tall Paul Minnesota Grand Ballroom 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Gathering for Adoptees, Former Foster Children, and Their Birth Relatives Governors IV

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016 7:30 a.m.–Noon Registration Minnesota Court

8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Second General Session Minnesota Grand Ballroom Panel: Connecting Traditional Childrearing with Early Childhood Programs Mildred Manuel (Yaqui/Akimel O’otham), Senior Management Analyst/Young Child Wellness Expert, Pascua Yaqui Tribe Health Department-Ili Uusim Hiapsi Juli Skinner (Ponca Tribe), Project Director, Cherokee Nation Suzie Kuerschner, Child Development Specialist and Behavioral Health Consultant Moderator: Terry Cross (Seneca), NICWA Senior Advisor 10:30 a.m.–Noon Session C Workshops Noon–1:30 p.m. Lunch (on your own) 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Session D Workshops 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Session E Workshops 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Dinner Banquet Great River Ballroom Featuring the movie More than Frybread

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2016 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Session F Workshops 10:30 a.m.–Noon Closing General Session Minnesota Grand Ballroom Panel: The Future of Indigenous Child Welfare in North America Jocelyn Formsma (Swampy Cree First Nation) JD Candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa; and NICWA Board Member Sarah Clarke, Attorney, Clarke Child and Family Law Moderator: Sarah Kastelic (Alutiiq), NICWA Executive Director Noon Retire Colors 15

GENERAL SESSIONS Monday, April 4, 2016 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

Panel: Federal Agencies’ Efforts to Strengthen the Well-Being of Native Children and Families During this panel, four federal officials will describe their agencies’ efforts to create conditions in which Native children thrive. They will also discuss the ways in which they work together in order to protect Native children and strengthen their well-being. Speakers will give us an inside look at the work they are doing and share with us their priorities for the remainder of this Administration’s term in office.

SPEAKERS Hilary C. Tompkins (Navajo),

JD, is solicitor of the Department of the Interior. The department has the United States’ trust responsibility to federally recognized Indian tribes and individual Indians. Prior to her service with the Department of the Interior, Tompkins was deputy and chief counsel to the New Mexico governor, whom she advised on Native American affairs. Before that, she was an attorney in a national law firm devoted to representing Native American interests. Tompkins also served as a law clerk for the Navajo Nation Supreme Court in Window Rock, Arizona. Before becoming a lawyer, she worked for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice as a tribal court advocate. She was born in Zuni, New Mexico, prior to the passage of the Indian Child Welfare Act and was adopted by a non-Indian family.

Sam Hirsch is principal deputy assistant attorney

general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) of the U.S. Department of Justice. Hirsch has been instrumental in the department’s major policy initiatives involving Native Americans, providing critical leadership in developing the provisions of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 recognizing Indian tribes’ authority to prosecute non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, for which he received the Attorney General’s 2013 Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country. Hirsch was also a critical player in ENRD’s efforts to resolve long-standing litigation by tribes alleging breaches of trust by the United States in the management of their funds and natural resources. He is a graduate of Rice University and Harvard Law School.

Rafael López is the commissioner

of the Administration on Children, Youth and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. From 2013–2015, López served as a senior policy advisor at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President and with the Domestic Policy Council. López was appointed by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to serve on his cabinet as the executive director of the City of Los Angeles Commission for Children, Youth and Their Families. López previously served as the deputy director of the City and County of San Francisco Department of Children, Youth, and Their Families. He is a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he earned a master’s degree in public administration.

Lawrence S. “Larry” Roberts

(Oneida), is the acting assistant secretary for Indian Affairs. Previously, he served as the deputy assistant secretary for Indian Affairs after having served as general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission. He began his legal career with the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the Indian Resources Section, where he handled a variety of federal Indian law cases for the benefit of tribal interests, including the protection of tribal-reserved treaty hunting and fishing rights. Roberts subsequently joined the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of General Counsel, where he provided counsel on the implementation of federal environmental programs by federally recognized tribes. He has degrees in political science and sociology as well as a law degree, and is a member of the Washington, DC, Bar and the Wisconsin Bar.

GENERAL SESSIONS

Panel: Learning from Youth with Lived Experience

Panel: Connecting Traditional Child Rearing with Early Childhood Programs

Monday, April 4, 2016 10:30 a.m.–Noon

In this panel, conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from young people with firsthand experience in the child welfare system. Panelists will discuss their views and insights as experts in their own lives. Topics of discussion will include panelists’ personal stories, how they have advocated for Native youth at the local and national level, and their recommendations for improving services for Native youth.

SPEAKERS

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m.

This panel of tribal child development leaders will

discuss strategies to modify and adjust early intervention models to include traditional child rearing practices and share examples for their communities. Terry Cross, author of Positive Indian Parenting and developer of a matrix on traditional practices and child development will be moderating the panel. Panelists will share their insights and perspectives.

SPEAKERS Jackie Malstrom is a radio show

host living in Portland, Oregon. She is the host of Rose City Native Radio on KBOO-FM and co-host of A Tribe Called Geek. Adopted at a young age by a non-Native family, Malstrom found out about her heritage at age 18 and started working with the local Native community at age 24. She currently mentors Native youth in audio production and broadcasting.

Alecia McConnell is a member

of the Confederated tribes of the Umatilla in Pendleton, Oregon. Placed in foster care in 2006, she has had lived experience with the system. In the past 10 years, she has become advocate and a voice for Native American foster youth on the local and national level. McConnell was a youth ambassador for the 2015 White House Tribal Nations conference, as well as a part of the Generation Indigenous (Gen-I) initiative. She currently serves as a young adult consultant for the Capacity Building Center for States. Moderator Teressa Unaliin Baldwin is Inupiaq- Eskimo, raised in Kotzebue, Alaska. She is currently a student at the University of California, San Diego. As a high school student, Baldwin created a campaign to address the high suicide rate in Alaska. Since then she has spoken to over 40 high schools and many conferences on the importance of mental health. In 2011, Baldwin was selected as one of President Obama’s Champions for Change initiative. She has been involved with UNITY’s 25 Under 25 program, Gen-I Youth Ambassadors, and has started a youth council in her community. Baldwin is currently interning at the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Mildred D. Manuel, earned

her bachelor of science and master of arts in special education and rehabilitation from the University of Arizona. Manuel currently serves as the senior management analyst/ young child expert for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Ili Uusim Hiapsi (Project LAUNCH) program. She is responsible for creating a sustainable culture of collaboration and accessible, integrated resources that promote holistic child wellness to ensure that every child will have equal opportunity to access an array of culturally relevant, strength-based services that promote holistic wellness, spirituality, and improved quality of life.

Juli Skinner, MSW, is a global

leader for young children and is a current member of the University of Oklahoma School of Social Work Board of Visitors. She has 13 years of experience working with Native families, and designing and developing programs for children involved in the child welfare system. In 2012 Juli started work on development of the HERO (Helping Everyone Reach Out) Project. This program provides needed support to youth, families, and communities to promote the overall wellbeing of children by working on the individual, community, and state levels.

Panel: Connecting Traditional Child Rearing with Early Childhood Programs (cont.) Suzie Kuerschner is a

child development specialist, behavioral health consultant, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder educator. Her work includes program development, assessment, intervention, parenting education, and design of learning environments for over 40 years from within the context of First Nation, tribal, state, and county programs and courts, schools, clinics, public and private agencies, developing environments, and curricula that are informed by the values and cultural perspectives of the communities these programs seek to serve. Moderator Terry L. Cross, PhD, MSW, ACSW, LCSW, is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and is the developer, founding executive director, and now senior advisor to the National Indian Child Welfare Association in Portland, Oregon. He has 42 years of experience in child welfare, including 10 years working directly with children and families. He also serves as adjunct professor at Portland State University School of Social Work.

GENERAL SESSIONS Wednesday, April 6, 206 10:30 a.m.–Noon

Panel: The Future of Indigenous Child Welfare in North America This session will address recent major policy

developments in Canada and the United States. Speakers from Canada will describe the January 2015 Human Rights Tribunal class action lawsuit decision that found that the Canadian government systematically discriminated against 163,000 First Nations children in the child welfare system through the implementation of biased federal funding formulas. Potential implications for Indigenous peoples around the world will be highlighted. Additionally, the key Indian child welfare practice issues addressed by the February 2015 Bureau of Indian Affairs Guidelines for State Courts in Indian Child Custody Proceedings will be discussed. Speakers will

address what these developments may mean for the future of Indigenous child welfare in North America.

SPEAKERS Sarah Clarke is principal of

Clarke Child & Family Law and counsel with Hensel Barristers. Her practice is focused on all matters of family law, including child protection, custody and access, and adoption. Clarke is also an agent for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, representing children in the child welfare system and in secure treatment review hearings before the Child and Family Services Review Board. She is a member of the legal team for the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society, recently celebrating the landmark decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal which ruled that Canada discriminates against First Nations children in the delivery of child welfare services.

Joceyln Formsma (Swampy

Cree) is a law student and NICWA board member. She has presented to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, on Indigenous child welfare issues.

Moderator Sarah Kastelic is the executive director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association. Prior to joining NICWA, she led the National Congress of American Indians’ (NCAI) welfare reform program and was the founding director of NCAI’s Policy Research Center. Her experience emphasized the need for timely, credible data to inform policymaking. Sarah earned a master’s degree and PhD from the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis.

Don’t Miss a Thing!

Download the NICWA Conference App Now How do you get the app? It’s easy as 1-2-3! 1. Download the conference app by going to the App Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android) and searching for “NICWA.” 2. Choose the 34th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. 3. Create a user name and password and then log into the NICWA Conference app. Full workshop descriptions, presenter bios, and the most current updates to the conference schedule can ONLY be found on the NICWA conference app! Opportunities to network with other conference attendees and share your real-time reflections on our Social Wall are also found there. Now you’re ready to use the NICWA conference app and stay on top of all of the latest news and happenings!

Delta Dental of Minnesota is a proud sponsor of the

34th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect Welcome to Saint Paul!

DDMN.3.14.16.1

Workshops by Session Please check the NICWA conference app for updates and cancellations made after this agenda book went to press. Monday, April 4, 2016 Session A | 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Moccasin Paths and the Circle of Courage Presenters: Adrienne Brant James and Tammy Lunday Governors I Finding Their Way Home: The Reunification of First Nations Adoptees, The Story Behind The Data Presenters: Sandy White Hawk, Ashley L. Landers, and Sharyn Whiterabbit Governors II Ensuring Best Practice through Outcomes Monitoring & Accreditation Presenter: Tia Salter Governors III Examination of Variables Predictive for AI/AN Out-of-Home Care Outcomes Presenter: Vernon Carter Governors IV Cross-Cultural Interviewing for Indian Child Welfare Presenter: Thomas (Tom) L. Crofoot, PhD Great River II-III Healthy Relationship Skills Strengthen Tribal Families Presenter: Robyn Cenizal Great River IV Using the Community-Organizing Approach to Empower Native American Families and Youth Around the Five LAUNCH Strategies Presenters: Juli Skinner and Ashley Lincoln Kellogg I

Using Collaboration to Change the “System:” One Tribal Prosecutor’s Viewpoint of the Importance of Family Wellness Courts Presenter: Nicole M. Homer Kellogg II Equipping Native American Tribes to Run a Title IV-E Child Welfare Program Presenters: Kay Casey and Kelly Gallagher Kellogg III Guidance and Best Practices in Child Welfare and ICWA Compliance Presenter: Larry Roberts Minnesota West Culturally Based Evaluation Model for In-Shelter Care Presenters: Scott DeMuth and Deb Foster State I Introduction to Tribal Systems of Care for Children’s Mental Health Presenters: Cori Matthew; Barbara Gladue; Alton Spencer, MSW; and Terry Cross, PhD State II Tribal Approaches to Differential Response: A Caseworker Panel Presenters: Julie Taylor, Alex Nilo, and Crystal Pleninger State III

Monday, April 4, 2016 Session B | 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m Factors Influencing the Educational Success of American Indian Youth in Foster Care and How You Can Advocate for Change Presenter: Evie Campbell Governors I

Tribal-Targeted Case Management Approach and Implementation Presenters: Cedric Wildbill, Ashley Harding, and Linda Williams Governors III

From a Hole in the Sky: Midwifery Care and Decolonization in Indigenous Communities Presenter: Autumn Cavender-Wilson Governors II

Working with Substance Abusing Families Presenters: Terry Cross, PhD; and Alton Spencer, MSW Governors IV

Monday, April 4, 2016 (cont’d) Session B | 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m Peacemaking as an Option for Best Practices in ICWA Cases Presenters: Cheryl Demmert Fairbanks and Victoria Sweet Great River II-III Empowering Native Wellness: Building Communities of Care and Survivance Presenters: Art Martinez, PhD; Dolores Subia BigFoot, PhD; and Barbara Aragon, MSW Great River IV Consultation: Model Indian Juvenile Code (25 U.S.C. 2454) Update Presenters: Natasha Anderson and Ron J. Whitener Kellogg I Belly Buttons Matter Presenter: Mary Black Bonnet Kellogg II

Fond du Lac’s Women’s Recovery Support Services Presenters: Kari Stroik and Shala Topping Kellogg III Putting First Kids 1st Presenter: Sarah Kastelic, PhD, MSW; Jacqueline Johnson Pata; and Ahniwake Rose State I Calricaraq System of Care: Implementing Traditional Behavioral Health Services in Alaska Native Villages Presenters: Jim Chaliak and Sophie Jenkins State II The Memorial March to Honor Lost Children: Vigilance in a Changing Child Welfare System Presenters: Frank LaMere, Liz Rembold, and Tom Bouska State III

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Session C | 10:30 a.m.–Noon Making Their Voices Heard: Children in Court Presenters: Kathleen Tailer and Jill Walker Governors I Native American Parents in Corrections Presenter: Judy A. Morrison Governors II ICWA 101 Presenter: David Simmons, MSW Governors III What Do You Need from NICWA? Presenters: Sarah Kastelic, PhD, MSW; and Cori Matthew Governors IV Enforcing ICWA: Oglala Sioux Tribe v. Van Hunnik Presenter: Stephen Pevar Great River II-III Working with State Court Judges in ICWA Cases Presenters: Kathryn Fort and Victoria Sweet Great River IV The Impact of Culturally Targeted Dental Care for Native American Children Presenter: Sarah Wovcha, JD, MPH Kellogg I

Strategies for Positive Outcomes Using Case Management Data Presenters: Cindy Wright and Geni Cowan, PhD Kellogg II Improving the Child Welfare Workforce: Lessons Learned from Three AgencyUniversity Partnerships Presenters: Edwin Gonzalez-Santin, Bree Bussey, and Toni M. Hail Kellogg III Community Based Participatory Research : What Is It and How Can It Benefit Your Community? Presenters: Puneet Sahota, MD, PhD; and Jen Rountree, PhD State I A River of Culture Presenters: Yvonne Peterson and Gary Peterson State II Tribal Child Welfare Documentation and Recordkeeping Presenters: Terry Cross, PhD; and Cori Matthew State III

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Session D | 1:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m. Coyote Cast of Characters: Ways for Extended Families To Say No to Alcohol Presenters: Yvonne Peterson and Gary Peterson Governors I Implementing a Tribal AFCARS Electronic Case Management System Presenters: Eric Gale, Sonia Nez, and Dean Roan Governors II New Tools in ICWA Cases: The New ICWA Guidelines, Proposed Regulations, and Efforts to Defend ICWA Nationwide Presenters: Erin Dougherty Lynch, Christina Snider, Kathryn E. Fort, and Matthew Newman Governors III Protecting Our Children Through Tribal Law: A Review of 100+ Tribal Child Welfare Codes Presenters: Mary Beth Jäger and Rachel Starks Governors IV Empowering Communities and Organizations to Support LGBTQIA2-S Youth Presenters: Dana Taylor and Rochelle Trochtenberg Great River II-III Using Traditional Teachings to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle Presenters: Linda Ayagarak-Daney and Danielle Holt Great River IV Recruitment, Development, and Support: How Tribes Can Build a Strong Pool of Resource Families Presenters: Jackie Crow Shoe, Mary Boo, and Alicia Groh Kellogg I

Changing Outcomes: Supporting Intergenerational Pascua Yaqui Families through CommunityBased Participatory Screening and Evaluation Presenters: Corrie Brinley, MSW; T. Kay Estes, and Amanda Bahe Kellogg II Lac du Flambeau: A Return to the Circle Presenters: Nitumigaabow Ryan Champagne and Willie Wolf Kellogg III Writing Successful Funding Proposals Presenters: Heather Craig-Oldsen, Julia Kleinschmit, and Frank LaMere Minnesota West Monitoring ICWA Compliance in the Courtroom: A Look at the QUICWA Multi-Jurisdictional Report and Court Monitoring Insights Presenters: Laura Newton, George McCauley, Mallory Moon, and Jacob Day State I Wraparound Service Models and Developing In-Home Services Presenters: Cori Matthew and Barbara Gladue State II Tribal Title IV-E: Does It Work for Each Tribe? Presenters: Bob Schulte and Floyd Wyasket State III

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 Session E | 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Preparing a Highly Qualified Child Welfare Workforce: Recruiting, Educating and Launching Students for Service to Tribal Children and Families Presenters: Candace LaGou, Carmela Quitugua, and Robert Fourkiller Governors II Media Relations in the Post-AC v. BG Era Presenter: Nicole Adams Governors III

Introduction to Positive Indian Parenting Presenters: Terry Cross, PhD; and Barbara Gladue Governors IV Strengthening Native Communities by Supporting Families Through Tribal Home Visiting Presenter: Willeen Whipple Great River II-III

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 (cont’d) Session E | 3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Keeping Kids Connected to Education: Our Kids Count Truancy Prevention Curriculum Presenters: Ahavah Oblak, Frank Mondeaux, PhD, MSW; and Stephanie Woods Kellogg II Naabaagoondiwin (Traditional Anishinaabe Adoption) Presenters: Dennis Petiquan, Clarence White, and Audrey Mandamin Kellogg III Gathering for Our Children and Returning Adoptees Pow Wow: More Than Just a Pow Wow Presenters: Sandy White Hawk, Tina Knafla, MSW, LCSW; and Jacque Wilson Minnesota West

Using Strength-Based Data at the Community Level Presenters: Jennifer Rountree, PhD; and Sarah Cline Pytalski State I Trails to Balance: Creating a Successful System of Care in the Pascua Yaqui Community Presenters: Angela D. Valenzuela, Corrie Brinley, MSW; and Monique Tsosie State II Creating an ICWA Court in St. Louis County, Minnesota Presenters: Bree Bussey, MSW; and Honorable Sally L. Tarnowski State III

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 Session F | 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome RiskReduction Activities for AI/AN Communities: The Healthy Native Babies Project Presenter: Geradine Simkins Governors I Developing Tribal Child Welfare Policies and Procedures Presenter: David Simmons, MSW Governors III Collaborating Brings Change: A Walk of the Spirit Presenters: John R. Dufresne, MSW; Cyndi Alexander, and Hector Cerda, MSW Governors IV ICWA Compliance: Assessment and Analysis Presenters: Melanie Sage, Heather Traynor, and Avery Erickson Great River II-III Traditional Family Intensive-Based Services Presenters: Marjorie Quewezance and Carol Little Great River IV Mind Body Medicine for Native Children and Families Presenter: Linda Eagle Speaker Kellogg II ICWA: Past to Present Presenters: Tad D. Tehee and Nicole Allison Kellogg III

Reconnecting Hollywood, American Indians, and Native Youth Through Media Presenters: Joanelle Romero and Theda New Breast State I Photo Voice and Ethnography for Health Disparities Impact Statements Presenter: P. Qasimah Boston, PhD State II Beyond ICWA in Minnesota: The Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act and the Tribal-State Agreement Presenters: Heather Capistrant and Suzanne Guertin State III

You’re Invited…

NICWA Membership Reception Sunday, April 3, 2016 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Minnesota Grand Ballroom

NICWA members are invited to join us for our signature members-only event of the year! Guests at the reception will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and the opportunity to network with fellow NICWA members.

Program Highlights • NICWA Executive Director Sarah Kastelic will address the assembly • Our board of directors will provide a NICWA year-in-review and introduce the slate of officers for election • The 2016 Member of the Year Award recipient will be announced • Guests will be treated to an exciting keynote and workshop by Dr. Art Martinez • Emcee Alex Wesaw, NICWA board secretary, will lead us through the evening

Keynote Presentation

Dr. Art Martinez (Chumash), senior advisor, Capacity Building Center for Tribes will provide our keynote for the evening. Dr. Martinez brings to our community a strong melding of professional and traditional knowledge. His experience as a technical expert to governmental agencies, direct service provider, administrator, and clinical supervisor has assisted in the overall mission to raise the physical, mental, social, and spiritual health of families and children. Dr. Martinez’s keynote address, Seven Generations of Survivance: Seven Generations of Healing, will be followed by a facilitated workshop to assist our members in developing and sharing personal and professional tools amongst their peers, in order to bring about improvements in their work and successful outcomes for the communities they serve.

COME FIND US!

Don’t forget to visit the membership booth throughout the conference where you can: • Find out about the benefits of NICWA membership • Check your membership status • Renew or upgrade your membership (to get a raffle entry) • Fill out a member survey (to get a raffle entry) • Video a short message or take a photo for our social media (to get a raffle entry) • Apply for a Wisdom Circle Scholarship

Check out the members’ raffles in the conference app!

Please note that membership raffle winners will be drawn and announced during Wednesday’s general session. 25

NICWA ANNUAL BANQUET DINNER NICWA and our Host Sponsors Delta Dental of Minnesota and Seminole Tribe of Florida invite you to our annual banquet dinner, featuring the film More Than Frybread, in support of our work protecting Native children and families!

Tuesday, April 5th, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Great River Ballroom, Intercontinental Saint Paul Riverfront • Champion for Native Children Awardee: Kevin Washburn (Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma), Professor of Law, University of New Mexico • Entertainment: More Than Frybread and panel discussion with Red Nation Film Festival • Emcee: Aurene Martin (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), NICWA Board Member, President and Managing Partner, Spirit Rock Consulting

Raffle tickets: 1 ticket/$5.00 or 5 tickets/$20.00!

Following up on last year’s successful raffle experience, NICWA is thrilled to offer another all-inclusive grand prize raffle trip to Las Vegas. This trip for two includes Alaska Airline tickets, a threeday, two-night stay at Caesar’s Palace, passes to see Matt Franco at the LINQ, and a ride on the High Ride Roller Coaster.

More than one raffle prize!

A purchase of raffle tickets buys you more than just the opportunity to win a trip for two to Las Vegas. Thanks to Eaglesun Systems Products, an iPad with Live Scribe Pen and portfolio will be the second raffle draw during the Banquet Dinner program. For more details about our conference raffle prizes, check out your conference app. You can find raffle ticket sales volunteers available outside the Minnesota Grand Ballroom before and after general sessions, as well as in the hallways during breaks. All conference goers may also purchase tickets at the NICWA’s store and registration. Tickets will go on sale starting on Sunday, April 3rd, and close at 6:15 pm on Tuesday, April 5th; preceding the Banquet Dinner program. This year’s raffle is presented by our Four Direction Sponsors Ak-Chin Indian Community, Eaglesun Systems Products, Gun Lake Tribe, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, and Seminole Media Productions. Please note that you must be present at the Banquet Dinner to win raffle prizes.

NICWA ANNU

Memorable program.

The seated portion of the evening begins with a three-course dinner. Highlights of the program include the Champion for Native Children award presentation to Kevin Washburn, raffle drawings, paddle raise in support of NICWA’s programs, and a private viewing of the movie More Than Frybread, followed by a panel discussion featuring members of the film crew and Red Nation Film Festival founder and president.

Paddle raise.

As part of the Banquet Dinner program, NICWA will provide the opportunity to support our services through raising donation envelopes at different dollar amounts. Also known as a paddle raise, this activity has special significance and connection to many Native peoples, including the tribes in the Great Lakes area. Paddles are used for canoes and kayaks. Historically, they enabled people to travel long distances in their birchbark canoes to secure food for their families, trade with other communities, and visit friends and relatives. The raising of paddles refers to a canoe coming in peace, support of another village, and honoring important work. Thanks to all who raise your envelopes, or paddles, and help sustain NICWA’s important work protecting Native children and families. Those who participate are gifted with a cedar paddle.

More Than Frybread Screening.

Don’t leave early and miss out on the award-winning mockumentary that took America by surprise and the only film devoted entirely to the subject of frybread. Director Holt Hamilton’s newest film gives us a clever and comedic view of the first annual frybread championship. This movie is a must see!

UAL BANQUET DINNER More details on all NICWA’s raffles can be found in your conference app!

2016

CHAMPION FOR NATIVE CHILDREN AWARD Bestowed by NICWA’s board of directors, the 2016 Champion for Native Children Award honors Kevin K. Washburn, who has made outstanding contributions to the well-being of Indigenous children, families, and communities in the United States. Kevin Washburn, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, was born in Southeastern Oklahoma. Washburn began his higher education by completing a BA in Economics from the University of Oklahoma, later to attend law school at the Washington University Law School in St. Louis for one year, before transferring to Yale Law School, where he earned his JD. His introduction to law school began at the University of New Mexico School of Law as a student at the American Indian Law Center’s Pre-Law Summer Institute. He served as the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Interior from October 2012 through the end of 2015. Prior to joining the Obama Administration, Professor Washburn was the dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law. Professor Washburn entered academia in 2002, earning tenure at the University of Minnesota in 2006. He began his legal career as a judicial clerk for the Honorable William C. Canby, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. He joined the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the Indian Resource Section from 1994 to 1997, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in New Mexico from 1997 to 2000. He was general counsel for the National

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“Under Mr. Washburn’s courageous leadership, we have seen policy protections for our children and families that I was not sure I would see in my lifetime. Kevin has been a lifelong advocate for our children, and his unwavering support for Native families has resulted in policy change and increased federal resources that will impact the well-being and community connection of thousands of Native children.” –Sarah Kastelic, executive director, NICWA

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Indian Gaming Commission from 2000 to 2002. After leaving the Obama Administration, Kevin Washburn returned to the University of New Mexico to assume his role as professor. Professor Washburn is the author or co-author of several books, including a textbook on gaming law, a textbook on American Indian law, and the leading treatise in the field of Indian law, Cohen’s Handbook of Federal Indian Law. Professor Washburn is a member of the Minnesota and New Mexico State Bars. As Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs, Washburn went to great lengths personally and professionally to secure the protections of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) for Native children through the promulgation of proposed ICWA regulations, which will soon be finalized. On behalf of our constituents, tribal governments, tribal social service programs, families, adult adoptees, and foster care alumni, we thank him for standing up and advocating for our children. The precedent he has set is an incredible model for future leaders to follow.

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“We honor Washburn for his strong voice and policy directives on behalf of our Indian children and families. We lift him up as a true champion for Native children.” –Gil Vigil, executive director, Eight Northern Pueblos, and president, NICWA Board of Directors

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2016 CONFERENCE ARTIST AND ABOUT THE ARTWORK About the Artist

Hillary Davis Kempenich relocated to Grand Forks, North Dakota, from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians Reservation located in Rolette County, North Dakota. The many talented artists within the Turtle Mountain community and her own family influence Hillary Kempenich. The artist now resides in Grand Forks, where she raises her young family while continuing to expand her emerging career as an artist. Inspiration from Hillary’s family, culture, and nature all can be seen in the work Kempenich creates. Kempenich embraces all influences, genres, and mediums, allowing creativity to continuously flow.

About the Work

“Walk Me into the Arena is inspired both by my young daughters and by reflections on my own experiences as a child dancer. My memories of raw emotion and the desire for protection in a new experience in the world are portrayed in this piece. I recall my sense of vulnerability as I stepped foot into the space and also remembered those same feelings as my daughters walked into the arena without their mom at their side. Reassurance came quickly, however, as women stepped up beside them, letting them know that it was safe and that we are all family looking out after one another. The bright colors represent the dancing spirits of our elders, and the grass portrays the wide world that we are exposed to.”

2017 CALL FOR ARTISTS

NICWA is excited to once again provide an opportunity for artists to showcase their talents in support of our 2017 Protecting Our Children Conference in San Diego, California. The selected artist will be awarded a cash prize of $1,500 for the use of their work in promotional materials for our 2017 conference.

San

Artwork and submission forms should be submitted no later than May 4, 2016. Visit www.nicwa.org/callforartists to apply. 1

UPCOMING TRAINING EVENTS Mark your Calendars for NICWA Training Institutes! Due to an increasing demand for trainings, NICWA is excited to announce an even more training institutes in the 2016–2017 year than ever before. Please join us to further your knowledge, skillset, and expertise in tribal child welfare, including staying up to date with the most recent Indian Child Welfare Act developments. Complete our Positive Indian Parenting train-the-trainer course so you can bring this culturally based parenting class to your community. Attend In-Home Services training to learn a concrete skillset to help support families in your community.

April 6–8, 2016 St. Paul, MN

September 27–29, 2016 Oklahoma City, OK

• ICWA Basics

• Positive Indian Parenting

• Advanced ICWA • Positive Indian Parenting

May 10–11, 2016 Anchorage, AK

December 6–8, 2016 Portland, OR

• ICWA Basics

• In-Home Services

• Advanced ICWA

August 23–25, 2016 Rapid City, SD

• Positive Indian Parenting

• ICWA Basics

April 5–7, 2017 San Diego, CA

• Advanced ICWA • Positive Indian Parenting

• ICWA Basics • Positive Indian Parenting

Visit nicwa.org/training/institutes for more information.

SAVE THE DATE April 2–5, 2017

35th Annual Protecting Our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect San Diego, CA For additional information, visit www.nicwa.org. We hope to see you there!

VISIT OUR EXHIBITORS Ann Yazzie Jewelry Co. Mesa, AZ Blood Memory Documentary www.bloodmemorydoc.com Pittsburgh, PA Capacity Building Center for Tribes www.capacity.childwelfare.gov/ tribes Denver, CO Corn Chick Designs Westfield, WI Debbra Myers Minneapolis, MN Delta Dental www.deltadentalmn.org Minneapolis, MN Eaglesun Systems Products, Inc. www.eaglesun.com Tulsa, OK Echo’s Healing Stones www.echoshealingstones.com Minneapolis, MN Growing Blue Flowers www.growingblueflowers.com Oakdale, MN Handel Information Technologies www.handelit.com Laramie, WY Hillary Kempenich www.hillarykempenich.com Grand Forks, ND

Intertribal Software Consultants, Inc. www.intertribalsoftware.com Durant, OK JT Mountain Jewelry Santo Domingo , NM KS Handbags and More… Jamul, CA Lakota Jewelry Visions www.lakotajewelryvisions.com Rapid City, SD Life Skills Education www.lifeskillsed.com Northfield, MN Linda Brown St. Paul, MN Lisa Bi Yoo Tuba City, AZ Minnesota Disability Determination Services www.mn.gov St. Paul, MN Monroe Designs Leupp, AZ National Resource Center for Diligent Recruitment www.nrcdr.org Aurora, CO National Resource Center for Healthy Marriage and Families www. healthymarriageandfamilies.org Fairfax, VA

Native American Beaded Jewelry Albuquerque, NM Native American Management Services, Inc. www.namsinc.info Reston, VA Southwest Tempe, AZ Spirit Dancer Blaine, WA Starr Global Learning Network www.starr.org/training Albion, MI Tribal Traders Sumas, WA University of Minnesota www.twin-cities.umn.edu St. Paul, MN Visit St. Paul www.visitsaintpaul.com St. Paul, MN Woodland Crafts Minneapolis, MN