NICWA NEWS Quarterly Newsletter • Spring 2015
Inside This Issue
Conference Breaks Records ICWA Regs and Data Update Member & Program of the Year One Mother’s Story And Much More
Message from the Executive Director Dear NICWA Members, Sponsors, Donors, and Friends, Welcome to the spring edition of NICWA News. On the heels of our highly successful Protecting our Children annual conference, we have much to share with you. For those of you who participated in our conference as presenters, volunteers, or attendees, thank you for your support and partnership. Held in our hometown of Portland, Oregon, our 33rd annual conference drew 1,119 people from across the U.S. and Canada. Thirty-nine sponsors and 35 vendors joined us in hosting four plenary sessions and 73 workshops. For many, the highlight was a panel of five Native youth who have spent time in—or are currently in—the foster care system. Their candor and strength inspired us all to redouble our efforts to protect our children and ensure they have the services and supports they need to stay connected to family and community when removal is necessary. I believe, as does NICWA, that the pathway to change is rooted in the vision that every Native child deserves access to community-based, culturally appropriate services that help them grow up safe, healthy, and spiritually strong. I believe this can only become a reality through the efforts of each of us, and that it is NICWA’s job to work alongside each of you, to lift up your work, to advocate for the rights of tribes, and demand the resources necessary to serve our families and to make this dream a reality, because this is what our children and families need to thrive. As I shared with conference participants, I am really heartened. In the last few months we have seen incredible gains, policy changes, and commitments from the Obama Administration that I didn’t know if I would see in my lifetime. In December 2014, at the White House Tribal Nations Summit, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced a multi-pronged ICWA compliance initiative. February 2015 saw the first update to ICWA state court guidelines since their drafting in 1979, and in March, the first substantive regulations ever were proposed. At our conference in April, the Bureau of Indian Affairs held its first tribal consultation session on the proposed ICWA regulations. And just this month, I had the honor of speaking with President Barack Obama about the White House’s recent commitment to Native American youth. He assured me it is a priority of his administration. Together, we are making history. Our ability to address historical and ongoing trauma is rooted in the belief that if we work together, strengthen our resolve and commitment, and invest our time and resources, we can right wrongs and we can protect our most valuable resource—our children. Our people have always believed that together we are stronger. Together we can achieve what is impossible to do alone. Sincerely,
Sarah Kastelic NICWA News is published by the National Indian Child Welfare Association 5100 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, Oregon, 97239 P: (503) 222-4044 F: (503) 222-4007 www.nicwa.org
CONTENTS
Letter from Executive Director 2. Conference Wrap Up 3. Seminole and Muscogee Provide Critical Support 3. Where We’ve Been 6. NICWA Cares 6. Inside NICWA 7. Upcoming Events 7. Government Affairs Update 8. TLC Fund 8. TA Survey 9. NM Tribal Notification Research 9. Membership Update 10. Umatilla Wins Award 13. Member of the Year Helene Buster 14. When ICWA is Followed, Children Can Thrive 15.
Largest Ever Protecting our Children Conference Provides Inspiration, Respite
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ith more than 1,100 registered participants, the 2015 National Indian Child Welfare Association Annual Protecting our Children National American Indian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect became the most well-attended conference in the 33-year history of the event. Held in NICWA’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, the conference—that attracts participants from grassroots service providers and federal policymakers to attorneys and adult adoptees—also surpassed previous fundraising records for the event. Over half a million dollars was raised through sponsorships, registration fees, the silent auction, banquet paddle raise, and other revenue-generating activities. Proceeds from the annual conference provide critical funding for NICWA’s work throughout the year. Conference highlights included scores of new workshops across several tracks, the launch of a new conference mobile app, the annual membership reception, Culture Night, gathering for adult adoptees, legal professionals coffee break, entertainment from the 1491s, ICWA directors luncheon, and tribal systems of care national meeting, to name a few. While the Protecting our Children Conference has always been a gathering place and time of reconnecting and respite for those in challenging tribal child welfare and related fields, recent years have also cemented its role as the national crossroads between community work and national policymaking. This year, federal agencies again traveled to the NICWA conference with the express purpose of engaging with our attendees. Among the listening sessions held on site was the first of several national tribal consultations related to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ proposed ICWA regulations. continued on p. 4
NICWA thanks all who contributed to making this year’s event a success.
Muscogee and Seminole Again Provide Leadership with Host Sponsorships
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he National Indian Child Welfare Association has received critical sponsorships from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma. By once again providing support at the $20,000 host sponsorship level, both tribes continued their longstanding status as key partners in NICWA’s critical work. NICWA Event Manager Lauren Shapiro stated, “NICWA’s annual conference is our largest event every year. It is encouraging to know that both Muscogee and Seminole truly understand just what it takes to host this gathering each year. That they are willing to serve as host sponsors is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of Native American children.”
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 3
Conference Participants Say
Thank You, Sponsors
“Really the best conference I’ve ever attended.”
“I met new and wonderfully passionate people.” “I’m inspired by how much progress is happening.” “I am hopeful. This conference helped me see what is possible.” “It is very inspiring to connect with committed, dedicated professionals.” “Thank you for this wonderful experience. I will forever cherish the knowledge I have obtained.” “I had a lot of fun and felt everyone’s kind hearts!” “This was my first NICWA conference. I hope to participate every year going forward.”
“A learning
experience for sure!”
“I’m very grateful to learn and hear new ideas from other tribal and state workers to better help our children and families.”
“Spiritually, intellectually, and relationally uplifting!”
Conference by the Numbers
1,119 43 200+ 159 35 73 43
participants volunteers tribes represented speakers exhibitors workshops states & provinces represented $500,000+ raised to fund NICWA’s critical work
Underwriters: Chinook Winds Casino Resort, MSU COL– Indigenous Law and Policy Center, and Tribal In-House Counsel Association
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 4
2015 Conference Snapshots
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 5
Where We’ve Been
NICWA Cares
Staff Lead Toy Drive, Volunteer at Children’s Mental Health Day
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ast holiday season marked the second year that NICWA organized a bake sale to buy toys for the Siletz Head Start Program in Portland. With the help of extraordinary baking skills that had been kept secret until now, staff raised over $200 towards the purchase of toys.
Every year, NICWA provides on-site training and technical assistance to dozens of communities in the U.S. and Canada. Here is where we’ve been in 2015.
NICWA Staff Join #WearPink Day in Support of Native Kids
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o demonstrate support for Tulsa participants in the final ICWA regulations hearing on May 14, 2015, NICWA joined others across the nation in wearing pink to work. Staff donned their rosy attire at the request of the Cherokee Nation, who made a public plea to wear pink to honor Native children adopted away from their families and culture. “Although we couldn’t be at that hearing in person,” said NICWA Communications Manager Nicole Adams, “it was important for us to show that our work is intended to help all Native chidren. Those who are separated from their families unnecessarily are never far from our hearts.”
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
As part of this growing tradition, NICWA staffers visited the class to give children their toys in person. “There are few things like seeing a kid’s face light up as they unwrap presents,” said Local Community Engagement Team Leader Justin Boro. “It was a great reminder of why we work so hard to advocate for Native children and families. This is one of the most rewarding community service activities we do.” In May, NICWA staff volunteered at the Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day organized by the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA). NARA, a long-time partner of NICWA’s in systems of care work, led the full day of activities for children and families at Chief Joseph Elementary School in north Portland. Boro added, “It’s such an honor to be able to help out in our small way. Giving back to the local community is something all NICWA staff share as a value.”
Spring 2015 | Page 6
ICWA Myths & Realities
NICWA dispels some of the most commonly perpetuated myths about the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978.
Myth ♦♦ ICWA applies in divorce proceedings and custody battles between two biological parents.
Reality ♦♦ False. ICWA only applies in child welfare proceedings and adoption proceedings.
Inside NICWA
Ettawageshik and Wesaw Assume New Officer Positions on NICWA Board
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t our spring board of directors meeting in Portland, Oregon, Rochelle Ettawageshik (Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians) and Alex Wesaw (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi) were elected to new leadership positions on the board. Ettawageshik, first elected to the NICWA board in 2008, was confirmed as board vice president. Now retired, Ettawageshik is the former director of Native American affairs for the State of Michigan. Wesaw was elected secretary. He first came to the board as a youth representative through his work with the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission. “I am honored by the trust my peers on the NICWA board have placed in me,” said Wesaw. “I view this as a testament for the sort of return on investment that can happen from believing in, and committing to, Native youth.”
NICWA is Hiring! Join Team NICWA! We will accept applications for two positions–Development Associate and Operations Coordinator–until June 4, 2015. Visit www.nicwa.org/careers to find out how to apply! National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Upcoming Events Understanding Oglala Sioux Tribe v. Van Hunnik: Members-Only* Webinar May 27, 2015 *This event is for NICWA members-only as a benefit of their membership. Become a member today and join us for future events.
Portland, Oregon Training Institutes September 22–25, 2015 • Positive Indian Parenting • ICWA Basics with Guidelines Update • Advanced ICWA
Anchorage, Alaska Training Institutes November 17–20, 2015 • Positive Indian Parenting • ICWA Basics with Guidelines Update • Advanced ICWA
Albuquerque, New Mexico Training Institutes December 8–11, 2015 • Positive Indian Parenting • ICWA Basics with Guidelines Update • Advanced ICWA
34th Annual Protecting our Children Conference St. Paul, Minnesota
April 3–6, 2016
St. Paul, Minnesota Training Institutes April 6–9, 2016 • Positive Indian Parenting • ICWA Basics with Guidelines Update
Visit www.nicwa.org/news or email lauren@nicwa.org for more information or to request a training for your community.
Spring 2015 | Page 7
NICWA Leads Way on ICWA Data and Regs
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t has been nearly 36 years since the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) became federal law. NICWA works tirelessly to ensure that the lessons learned from the past inform the future. Thanks to your support, our efforts have finally culminated in two very significant policy changes that will strengthen ICWA. First, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) proposes to collect data on selected ICWA requirements from all 50 states. In April, the ACF announced they would take comments on new ICWA data elements for inclusion in the federal government’s largest foster care, guardianship, and adoption database. This is a departure from ACF’s earlier position in which they did not believe they had authority to collect this data.
A Little Bit of TLC
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ast winter, NICWA launched the Terry L. Cross Fund in honor of our founding executive director’s life’s work. This decision reflects his dedication to American Indian and Alaska Native child advocacy and our desire to continue to see this core organizational programming thrive.
This new opportunity will open the door to data collection that can identify AI/AN children in state child welfare systems, their tribal affiliation, and other data related to compliance with ICWA. When in place, this new data will form the first substantive data collection on ICWA compliance since the law’s passage in 1978. Such data also holds the promise of being able to inform future federal resource allocations, provision of technical assistance and training, and efforts to reduce the number of AI/AN children in foster care. Second, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) proposed new regulations to clarify ICWA’s implementation. Since ICWA’s passage we have learned much more about how courts and agencies implement ICWA. We know there is still widespread non-compliance with the law that is depriving hundreds, if not thousands, of AI/ AN children and their families of the federal protections that were guaranteed them. This non-compliance is illustrated by the wide range of interpretations that many states and local jurisdictions have developed on several ICWA requirements, subjecting even simple, relatively clear areas of the law to interpretations that are clearly not what Congress intended.
And thrive it has! Within the fund’s first few months, NICWA received 51 gifts totaling $10,475. Thank you to all who gave. We are thrilled to report that recent events reflect how these gifts have been put to use.
NICWA—in close collaboration with tribes and our partner organizations— has pushed even harder for the establishment of federal regulations. Such regulations can clarify the intent of the law and put an end to widespread non-compliance. In March, the BIA responded to our ongoing advocacy by proposing new regulations and initiating a public comment period that ended May 19, 2015. Supporters of the regulations submitted comments en force, representing tribal nations and organizations, hundreds of individuals, academics, professional associations, and child advocacy organizations. The importance of establishing these regulations cannot be overstated. They will carry a greater force of law than previous guidelines and not only clarify the areas where we know there are problems, but will also take away incentives for those who would consider violating the law.
This type of change is hard won and takes years of dedication, patience, and support. Policy work is an area that is challenging to fund, due to the reality that grants are scarce in this field and government support it not an option. That is why your individual donations mean a great deal to NICWA.
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upporters of the regulations submitted comments en force, representing tribes, organizations, hundreds of individuals, academics, professional associations, and child advocacy organizations.
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
More specifically, the Bureau of Indian Affairs unveiled its new Indian Child Welfare Act guidelines last month, followed quickly by proposed regulations. This is the first time the guidelines have been updated since their inception in 1979 and the first time substantive regulations have ever been proposed. NICWA’s advocacy, and in turn, your support—financial and otherwise—have been key to these gains!
Each dollar gives a little bit of TLC to our advocacy efforts to protect Native children and families.
Spring 2015 | Page 8
NICWA Solicits Training, TA Input
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ICWA is engaging constituents from across Indian Country to help identify areas of need in training, technical assistance, and professional development specific to tribal communities to better serve children, families, and communities.
Tribal Notification Research Findings Shared with NM Partners and Constituents
NICWA began surveying stakeholders at the Tribal representatives meet to discuss research findings 2015 annual conference in Portland, Oregon. To date, over 200 stakeholders have completn late February 2015, NICWA convened New Mexico tribal and state ed the survey. This data along with information research participants and other juvenile justice constituents at collected from a focus group that was held in Isleta Resort and Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to report and 2014, will help shape NICWA’s training curricuvalidate the results of our research project. Funded by the Public Welfare lum and technical assistance resource develFoundation, the project focuses on the tribal notification law for Native opment for the future. youth entering the state juvenile justice system. Since November 2013, NICWA and partner Association on American Indian Affairs have interNICWA’s guiding principles and values concerning technical assistance include the belief viewed and convened tribal and state constituents across New Mexico to learn about how notification currently works and its effects on case that our services need to empower families, outcomes. programs, and tribes. NICWA also believes
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in targeted technical assistance based upon careful relational world view assessment and written technical assistance plans. This survey will help guide NICWA in the right direction in providing training and technical assistance that Indian Country finds valuable. NICWA needs your help. NICWA wants to provide training and technical assistance that is relevant and helpful to your community. If you have not yet filled out a survey, NICWA would love your feedback. In the next article of NICWA News we will give you the results of the survey and the steps NICWA is taking to meet your needs for training and technical assistance.
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ICWA wants to provide training and technical assistance that is relevant and helpful to your community. We would love your feedback. Please contact Senior Program Director Steve Hudson at shudson@nicwa.org to request a survey today.
The tribal notification provision for Native youth entering the state juvenile justice system—unique to the State of New Mexico—has been identified as a method to address the disproportionate number and disparate treatment of American Indian and Alaska Native youth in the juvenile justice system. Three rounds of interviews were conducted with 28 participants. The study found that tribal notification is not practiced consistently among juvenile probation officers, particularly in regard to identifying Native status and the timing of notification—as there are no clear procedures for the administration of tribal notification. Based on interviews with tribal participants, as well as public discussions with tribal personnel, tribal notifications are not consistently received. Because of the language of the notice provision, the provision has been interpreted to provide for notice late in the process—generally after adjudication has occurred. Tribal and state participants have suggested that earlier notification is needed to increase tribal advocacy for, and access to, tribal services by Native youth, particularly in cases where families are unable to advocate for their children. Among tribal partners, there was a continuum of capacities to respond to notification as well as different ideas about the preferred level of involvement. Mental health is a pervasive issue for Native youth at risk for entering the juvenile justice system, and access to appropriate services is a significant challenge. According to respondents, where tribal and state personnel have established working relationships, including information sharing and collaborative case planning, cases have resulted in coordinated and community-based treatment placement and family engagement. Thus, there is evidence that notice, particularly where there are formal or informal agreements to clarify notification procedures and
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
continued on p. 14
Spring 2015 | Page 9
New and Renewing Members December 16, 2014–April 10, 2015
Coral Membership Tier Tribe
Ak-Chin Indian Community Association of Village Council Presidents Chickasaw Nation Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation Cook Inlet Tribal Council Greenville Rancheria Mescalero Tribal Human Services Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Muscogee (Creek) Nation Seminole Tribe of Florida
Organization
Individual
Casey Family Programs–Arizona Casey Family Programs–Austin Casey Family Programs–Bay Area Casey Family Programs–Denver, Indian Child Welfare Program Casey Family Programs–Headquarters Casey Family Programs–Idaho Casey Family Programs–LA County Casey Family Programs–San Antonio Casey Family Programs–San Diego Casey Family Programs–Seattle Casey Family Programs–Yakima Comcast Eckerd Indian Child and Family Services
Vera Dawsey Lea Ann Holder Stephen Hudson Jo Prout Adrian Smith
Turquoise Membership Tier Tribe
Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town Citizen Potawatomi Nation Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation Copper River Native Association Delaware Nation Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians Mescalero Apache Tribe Early Childhood Program Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Nome Eskimo Community Pala Band of Mission Indians Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Ute Indian Tribe Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska
Organization
Individual
Handel Information Technologies Hobbs, Strauss, Dean and Walker, LLP Nebraska Families Collaborative Spirit Rock Consulting Standard Insurance Company Tribal Law and Policy Institute Youth Advocate Programs, Inc.
Cheryl Baldomaro Lucas Jessica Billie Alaina Capoeman Anita Chisholm John Dossett Lucille Echohawk Jo-Ann Giordano Danielle Glenn-Rivera Michael H. Guilfoyle Marian S. Harris Sarah Kastelic Jill Kehaulani-Esch Sonya LaCoute-Dana Robert Lindecamp Jennifer Rountree Matthew Scott Tim Tank Mary Templin Martha J. Tommie Kip Toner Lucille White
Associate Membership Tier John George National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 10
New and Renewing Members December 16, 2014–April 10, 2015
Abalone Membership Tier Deb Abbott Trudy Adams Cathy Adams-Bomar Shirlene Ade Carmelita Adkins Carol Ahenakew Cynthia L. Alexander Jon Alexander Thaidra Alfred Chuck Allen Courtney Allensworth Nekoda Altaha Joyce Alvey Cassie Anderson Rosemary Anderson Robin Andrews Kelly Anthony Michelle Antone Winona Aubrey-Herzog Willie Austin Shawn Backbone Shirley J. Bad Wound Alondra Bailey Alvina Barnes Misty Barney-Dewitt Christine Baron Michael Barry Rosalynn Barton Jonelle Battise Romona Baxter Jenny Bean Kelli Becker Sharon Begay-McCabe Tyree Bell McKenzie Bennett Kaylene Big Knife Rachel Bigsam Naomi A. Bill Colin Bird Sara Bissen Amber Blaha Jasmine Boatwright Mary Boo Laura Borden Justin Boro Ninona Boujrada Tara Bourdukofsky Juliana Bourget Stephanie Bowens Preston Boyd Terra Branson Sarah Brant Eleanor Brazeau Barry Brenard Steve Brennan Chris Brewer Corrie Brinley Danielle Broncheau Lucy Brown Aliza Brown Leslie Brown-Hacker Melissa Burns Debra Burton Rachel Burtt Reggie Butler Lillie Butler Loraine Butler Dana Butterfield Chrystal Byred
Michelle Cabral Francis Cacalda Katharine Cahn Sarah Calgie Evangeline Campbell Theresa Cantu Terri Capoeman Wayne Cardinal Christina Casarez Inamarie Chaney Robin Charlie Nancy Chestnut Loretta Chia Marie Chiklak Winfred Chiles Marilyn Christensen Kim Christensen Amber Christensen-Fox Jacquelyn Churchill Hyuny Clark-Shim Cassie Cleary Burdette Clifford Arlene Cocio Thomas Cody Alphonso Colegrove Karrie Colegrove Justine Colton Mike Colvard Alexis Contreras Christine Contreras Brian Conway Beverly Cook Jennifer Cooper Tina Corbin Billy Cordero Gloria Cota Johnathan Courtney Emily Courtney Brandi Cozad Heather Craig-Oldsen Raju Dahlstrom Kathy Daniels Erica Daniels Penny Danzuka Paula Davila Andrea Davis Denise Davis James Decouteau Michealine Deese Kathy Deserly Tanya Devon Torres Juan Diaz Charlene Dimmick Beverly Dion Caitlin Donald Margaret Douville Veronica Driskill Valerie Dudley John Dufresne Chanda Duncan Noreen Edwards Adirian Emery Janet Emery Rob England Ozzy Escarte Alberta Espinoza Katelynn Esquibell Tkay Estes Marneena Evans
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Jessica Fagnilli Valerie Fenton Barbra Fether Julie Finkbonner Roxanne Finney Amy Fitzpatrick Katherin Flower Brian Fodor Kim Ford Kathryn Ford Rebecca Fox Debra Francis Jaycelene Frank Shane Frisch Kimberly Fuhrman Eldonna Furchert Heather Fystrom George Gabel Annette Gachupin Isidro Gahi Diana Gamechuck Anderine Gant Suzanne Garcia Aaron Garcia Ruben Garcia Estela Garcia Loleta Garfield Shaun Garrett Michael Gavin Gloria George Retchenda George-Bettisworth Shari Ghalayini Eleanor Gil-Kashiwabera Lisa Gillman Brenda Gilman-Bagwill Linda Gokee-Rindal Edwin Gonzalez-Santin Sarah Goode Myrna Gooden Denise Goodman Carlee Gorman Jane Gottschalk Susan Graves Becky Greear Gloria Green Morningstar Green Tammy Grimm Tina Grounds Elizabeth Gunter Lloyd Guy Selamawit Habtom Charlene Hadley Tonya Hanson Janice Hanun Annie Harlan Tracy Haviland Maureen Heffernan Charlieann Herkshan Linda Herzberg Bailey Hicks Richard Hicks Roberta Hillaire James Hillaire Denice Hinds Anna-Marie Hinojosa Siagigi Hintsatake Barbara Hitchcock Shay Hoffman Leah Hoffman
Nicole Homer-Lundgren Paula Hopkins Ann Hopper Ashley Hopper Shari Hostler Thelma Houle Loretta Howard Ryan Howard David Howestine Kelly Hubbell-Hinton Tiffany Hunt Anne Hurd Johnna Hurt Shawnee Inez Caroline Jack Kathryn Jacket Roni Jackson Tsiawnte Jackson Ronald Jackson Allee Jackson Rikki James Sierra James Teela James Jeri James Andrew Jasper Sarah Jasper Kim Jenkins Walter Jim Jessica E. Jim Veronica John Lucille Johnson Robin Johnson Elizabeth Johnson Ellen Jones Rebekah Jones Norma Joseph Carmen Kalama Ella Kane Archie Kashoya Melissa Katsikis Les Kavanaugh Tahnee Kawakone Dolores Keeling Erica Kemmer Jimmie King Ashley Kingbird Juliette Knight Karan Kolb Verna J. Kolyaha Blair Kreuzer Sherril Kuhns Kristy Kunkel Hannah LaBounty Everett Lafferty Candace LaGou Brenda Lancaster Will Landon Jonelle LaPiere Kathy LaPlante Cheryl LaPointe Stacey Lara Sylvia Lasley Jane Latane Danielle Lazore Thompson Robert Lekander Patricia Lenzi Allison Leof Esie Leoso-Corbine Ken Levinson
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New and Renewing Members December 16, 2014–April 10, 2015
Abalone Membership Tier Emma Lightning Ashley Lincoln Connie Lobato Allison Long Shawna Lopac Elizabeth Lorina Mills Christopher Louis Helen Louis Tina Louise Elizabeth Lowe Melinda Lowrance Leah Lujan Lora Lynn Spivey Michele Maas Madeleine MacIvor Marilee Mai Allie Maldonado Matt Manion Claudio Mantovani Marilisa Manuel Cynthia Marchand-Cecil Eve Marsh Alicia Martinez Stephanie Marusich Shary Mason Barbara May Lawrence McAdams Krisstyn McCall Allyson McCovey Sharon McCovey Anthony McDonnell Traci McGarry Sonja McGraw Sherry McIntyre Rachelyn McKinnon Frankie Meddaco Briana Mego Michael Melhorn Michael Melter Robyn Melton Nicole Mendez Lucinda Mesteth Holly Meyer Kristin Michaud Lloyd Miller Eleanor Miller Sara Miller Nancy Miquelon Andrea Mitchell Suzanne Moineau Amber Molina Pedro Molina Venus Montoya-Felter Charlene Moore Elizabeth Moore Stephanie Moran Judy A. Morrison Lynette Most Terrie Muhammad Rebekah Murray Lenore Myer-Nault Dan Nachor David Najera Pam Nason Emery Nault Deannah Neswood-Gishey Laura Newton Buffy Nicholson Dennis Noonan
Ryan Oatman Crystal O’Grady Arnella Oldman Vivien Olsen Joe Orford Lupe Ortega-Ortiz Rosario Ortiz Elizabeth Osuna Raul Pacheco Tracy Pacini Michelle Pagel Rebecca Pahe Sonia Palacios Barbara Parker Tassy Parker Doreen Parmeter Terri Parr Robert Pasco Hector Patty Lucy Pavilla Jaymee Pedro Jenny Pelkola Kym Pendarvis Krista Perala Phillip Perez Amy Perron Darlene Peterson Celestine Petoskey Jackie Pierson Jean Plaschke Gwen Porter Misty Powell Urrutia Preston Laurie Price Joshua Proper Terry Racehorse Rachel Ramirez Juan Ramirez Kathy Randall Erick Rask Debra Ray Alberta Ray Edison Red Nest Nichole Redmond Anna Redsky Rosalee Revey-Jacobs Crystal Richardson Wendy Rinkel Rosanne Roach Heather Robertson Donald Rodriguez Tanya Rodriguez Patricia Roe Antonio Rojas Rianna Ross Tamica Rossiter Jo Royal Laura Ruiz Dottie Rundles Wallace Rupert Jill Rusk Tuanya Rutenbeck Mitzi Sabori Naomi Sainz Jessica Salgado Sandra Sampson David Sampson Roban San Miguel Janie Sanchez
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Cheyenne Sanders Christian Schmidgall Marty Schroeder David Schunk Vesta Scott Gina Secord Cynthia Seguin Darlene Sellers Mark Senior Nicole Shackelford June Shakespeare Adrienne Sheridan James Sherrill Debra Shippentower Jo-Ann Shyloski Paul Siewell Dennis Sikhanthat Virge Silveira Kelly Simon Eleanor Skead Mike Slizewski Curtis Smeby Kristeene Smith Sandra Smith Cynthia Smith Willimea Smith-McNeal Bernadette Spence Alton Spencer Tyger Spencer-Heald Stephanie Spiering Hidonee Spoonhunter Nathan St. Goddard Lisa Stark Jason Stark Tischa Stefanowski-Mason Kim Stevens Nancylee Stewart Linda Stiller Katie Stover Heather Summerlin Angela Sundberg Maria Swain Glenda Swampy R.E. Szego Mandy Tackett Etene Taimalelagi Marlene Tate Nina Taylor Dana Taylor Carmin Tecumseh-Williams Rachell Tenorio Sheridan Terbasket Edna Terbasket Heather Tharp Wendy Thomas Shannon Thomas Mary Thomas Shelley Thomas Prokop Mariam Tias Kirsten Timbers Connie Timmerman Malerie Todecheenie Jill Tompkins Rosemary Tootkaylok Marge Torrance Lisa Trahan Melissa Trevino Janice Tso Brenda Tsosie
Nathania Tsosie Roberta Tufti Lorna Turgeon Ardyce Turner Jeannie Underwood Maria Valandra Angela Valenzuela Spring Van Brunt Christy M. Vanderhoop Jolene Vasquez Doreen Velarde Jeff Versaw Dorinda Vigil Brenda Villalba Michelle Villareal Malia Villegas Helen Visarraga Lisa Vu Brian Wahnee Ardith Walkem Joe Walker Vincent G. Wallulatum Joni Wallulatum Christine Waquie Michelle Warden Roland Warner Deanna Warren Anitra Warrior Charlotte Watters Kara Wauneka Janet Webster Stephanie Weldon Deb Weston Stacy White Michelle White Marlies White Hat Sunshine Whitehair Liana Whiteley Eugenia Whiteshirt Brandelle Whitworth Carole Wilcox Sharon M. Wiley Leela Willard Jerry Williams Joni Williams Sherrie Williams Melissa Williams Marie K. Williams Darlene Willier Mary Willis Sheila Willis Juliann Wilson Geraldine Wilson Kimee Wind-Hummingbird Daniel Winkel-Wolfshadow Kelly Winston Alison Wolfe Michael Wolfe Michael E. Yates Wilfred Yazzie Melissa Yazzie April Ybarra Dana Young
Spring 2015 | Page 12
Umatilla Wins Innovative Program of the Year Award from NICWA
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or significantly reducing the number of Native American children in the foster care system and instituting reforms within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) is the recipient of NICWA’s 2015 Innovative Program of the Year Award. The award honors and recognizes members of NICWA that have an exemplary practice-based program, project, initiative, or policy. CTUIR’s DCFS says they have successfully implemented differential response—a culturally sensitive practice—to lower the number of children within the foster care system, which has helped build relationships within the tribes and the community and assure minimal trauma and stress to families. This is done with inter-department collaborations between DCFS and the Umatilla Tribal Department of Public Safety. The two departments entered into a memorandum of understanding out of shared concern and responsibility for the welfare and safety of children, and to provide an effective tribal system of social services aimed at safeguarding the well-being of children and families.
Anthony Barnett, CTUIR Tribal Police Department, and Alex Nilo of Child Protective Services at the 2015 Sexual Assault Awareness Walk.
“Our families are in a healing process every day and we continue to battle daily obstacles, but there is hope. I am very proud of the CTUIR people whom I believe in,” said Julie Taylor, DCFS director. Julie Taylor and her staff accepted the award at the annual membership reception on April 19, 2015, in Portland, Oregon. (CTUIR Press Release, April 20, 2015)
2013-2014 NICWA Members The NICWA annual report proudly publishes a listing of members for each given fiscal year. It is our sincere regret that due to an inadvertent error, some members were not listed in the 2014 report. Listed below are the names of these valued members.
Individual Members Abalone Aceves Lorena Barton Dorothy Begay Tileah (Tia) Bentle Laura Big Plume Vanessa Bradfield Kelly Bradshaw Cheryl Brammer Misty Buster Helene Connor Angela Contreras Alexis Cozad Brandi Crampton Kimberly Cutknife Melissa Eagletail Kyle Farmer Carmen First Charger Samantha Follett Pollak Lisa George Rosalie Givens-Denley Sherrill Gregg Ragu-Jara Hanna Dana Harris Wendy Hutchason Maggi James Ella Kamen Michael Loera-Barragan Griselda Long Allison
Lopac Shawna Martin-Wolfe Cindy McPaul Doreen Metcalfe William Meyers Neva Miller Charla Minehart Paul Mittan Daniel Myers Lucinda Old Rock Marie Pederson Michelle Pedro Jaymee Ranger Bobbi Ray Debra Robinson-Ross Jennifer Ruano Roger Rucker Valerie Salinas Erika Salo Lisa Shapiro Lauren Spence Darla Swanson Kristie Tovar Molly Trottier Christina Twedt Dale Wesaw Alex Wiegel Natalie Yellow Hammer Jennifer
Turquoise Beard Martha Disselhorst Thomas Glen-Rivera Danielle Goodtracks Lark Leigh Rovianne Lein Laura Miller Nancy Nimmo Chrissi Powless Dale Rose Ahniwake Rountree Jennifer Shanker Tamera Solimon Petra Coral Cross Terry Draper Janet Fleming Sharon Givens Fay May Jill McKenzie Leola Simmons David Associate Belcher Vertis Fiechtl Linda Ortiz Manuelita
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Organizational Members
Turquoise Alaska Legal Services Corporation Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation Denver Indian Family Resource Center, Inc. Nevada Division of Child and Family Services New York Council on Adoptable Children Coral Alaska Office of Children’s Services U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Tribal Members
Turquoise Citizen Potawatomi Nation Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Cowlitz Indian Tribe Delaware Tribe of Indians Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Pueblo of Acoma Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma Quinault Indian Nation Skull Valley Band of Goshute Indians Smith River Rancheria Susanville Indian Rancheria Coral Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians
Spring 2015 | Page 13
NICWA Selects Helene Buster as 2015 Member of the Year
Lifetime of Service to Seminole Tribe of Florida a Deciding Factor
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t this year’s annual membership reception, NICWA bestowed its 2015 Member of the Year Award to Helene J. Buster, a member of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. She has been the director of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Family Services Department since 2005. Helene is a registered nurse and is presently working toward achieving her certification as an addiction specialist. Throughout Helene’s life and professional career, she has spearheaded the development of myriad services for Native families. These include: co-founding the Seminoles in 2015 NICWA Member of the Year Helene Recovery Support Buster Group that brought the first AA meetings onto the reservation; managing a tribal diabetes research project and epidemiological study, which improved diabetes treatment compliance and awareness; and orchestrating the development of the tribal treatment center, currently in its ninth year of operation. Buster also developed an addiction aftercare program. Her leadership chairing the tribe’s court committee resulted in development of a state-recognized tribal court. Buster played a key role in establishing the Seminole Children’s Code. She created a multidisciplinary child protection team, organized the Annual Florida Native American Recovery Convention, established a tribal youth home, and assisted in the development of the tribe’s truancy management program.
Helene Buster (center) receives her award from NICWA Executive Director Sarah Kastelic and NICWA Board President Gil Vigil.
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. With an almost-unparalleled list of accomplishments and a demonstrated lifelong commitment to service to her community, it is clear that the award is well-deserved.
Tribal Notification Research, continued from page 9
treatment collaboration, may improve case outcomes.
“In general, it is clear that the efficacy of the tribal notification provision can be improved,” reported NICWA Research Manager Jen Rountree, “and participants expressed a strong interest in continuing to work with NICWA and one another to improve the notification process.” NICWA is requesting additional funding from the Public Welfare Foundation to help facilitate tribal and state juvenile justice stakeholders’ implementation of policy and procedural changes to improve the notification law. National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 14
When ICWA is Followed, Children Can Thrive: One Mother’s Story Editor’s Note: During our annual conference, we were touched by the story Allie Greenleaf Maldonado shared during a listening session with federal officials. We asked her to share it with our readers.
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hnee. My name in English is Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, but my ancestors know me as Greenleaf Talking because when I speak, I speak for my people. I am a citizen of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and a member of the mshiikenh or turtle clan. I want to tell a personal story about how the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) has impacted my life. I am looking at a picture of a beautiful little boy who is a citizen of the Little River Band of Odawa Indians. He is my son. He became my son because of ICWA. His 14-year-old biological mother ran away to Nevada where she gave birth. The State of Nevada immediately took custody of the baby and placed him into a non-relative, non-Indian placement. However, the Little River Band was properly notified and the tribe intervened. The good people of Nevada wanted to follow ICWA and so they asked the tribe for an appropriate placement.
The Honorable Allie Greenleaf Maldanado is the chief judge of the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians.
If they had not followed ICWA, under Nevada law, the family that brought him home from the hospital would have maintained custody and would have had the first right to adopt him if no family members came forward. They were very nice people—great people—but they had no ties to the Native community whatsoever. My son would have been brought up thousands of miles from his tribe and his culture but for ICWA.
However, because he is Indian, and Nevada followed federal law, he was transported back to Michigan and placed into foster care with my husband and me. I am from a sister tribe and member of the same clan as my son, so the tribe decided we were an appropriate placement. After about two years of trying to reunite him with his birth mother, both birth parents voluntarily gave up their parental rights and we were allowed to adopt him. Because of ICWA, my son is growing up with his culture. He is seven now and his culture and community are very important to him. He goes to pow wows, we regularly attend tribal community events, he is learning about traditional medicines, and I am very proud that my son is a Snow Snake champion. Snow Snake is a traditional game in our tribe.
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It is also of the utmost importance that my son is being raised to be a good citizen of the Little River Band and the United States. When my son turns 18 and can vote about the wolf hunt in Michigan, he is going to understand why his people oppose the hunt. He will know that ma’ iingan is our cousin. When he votes on the fishing and treaty rights, he will be informed because his elders have told him why the fish are so important to us and why they must be protected. He has the possibility now of becoming a leader in his community. He is potentially the next generation of tribal leadership. None of that would have been possible if good people didn’t follow ICWA.
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Because of ICWA, my son is growing up with his culture.
—The Honorable Allie Greenleaf Maldonado
National Indian Child Welfare Association | NICWA News
Spring 2015 | Page 15
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