National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)

09/04/2026

We advocate for maintaining strong Native families, and that means showing strong families—real representation through images is vital to support the work we do here at NICWA! As we tuck away some of our tried-and-true photos, we’re looking to replace them with updated versions, and we’re looking for volunteers!

✨ Who: We welcome all types of Native families with children of various ages!
✨ When: September 20, 2026, from 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
✨ Where: We have limited space, so the Portland-based location will be shared once attendance is confirmed.

The details:

- Lunch is on us! This is a catered event as a thank you for your participation! We will also have fun activities available and craft projects you can work on.
- What to expect: We want to capture as many natural photos as possible, so our team will be taking both candid and posed photos throughout the day. Please note that these photos will be used throughout our external communications, including social media, print, and digital design.
- Our gift to you: As a thank-you for joining us, we will gift each family a physical and digital portrait (images will be printed and mailed after the event).

Space is limited, please let us know you're interested by September 9 with this form: https://ow.ly/GMVB50ZlFR7

09/01/2026

All year we’re grateful for the hardworking and dedicated child welfare workers that care for children and youth, and we look forward to celebrating these individuals every September for Child Welfare Worker Appreciation Month! Join us in thanking the incredible professionals who play an essential role in our communities to protect the safety and well-being of Native children and provide valued support and resources for families as they navigate the system.

Your commitment to serving families is appreciated beyond measure, and we thank you for your role in protecting our children, and creating a brighter future for Native children, families, and their communities.

08/31/2026

NICWA’s 2027 Champion for Native Children Award nominations are now open!

Nominate an individual or organization that demonstrates excellence with their contributions to support Tribal children, families, and communities across the United States or Canada. This award is NICWA’s highest honor, and we look forward to learning about the amazing efforts happening across Indian Country to improve the well-being of our communities.

Learn more and submit your nominations at https://www.nicwa.org/conference/champion-native-children/.

08/28/2026

“Our culture is unique and resilient; we should be able to experience that no matter what circumstances are ahead of us.”—Samantha, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska

Protecting ICWA keeps children in their families and connected to their culture. Learn more about this restorative law and how you can support Native children and families at https://www.nicwa.org/what-is-icwa/.

08/26/2026

Culture is an invaluable resource that Native communities can call upon to strengthen their youths’ sense of self and belonging and build confidence in themselves and their values.

As youth return to school, there are many ways caregivers can use cultural connectedness to support their well-being, not only during this transition, but as they navigate the world into their adulthood. You can read more about this in Society of Care’s article, “How Cultural Identity Can Help Children Feel Grounded at School”, at https://www.societyofcare.org/how-cultural-identity-can-help-children-feel-grounded-at-school.

Our work at NICWA is closely tied to protecting and utilizing culture to promote the well-being of Native children and families. Consider making a gift today to support our efforts: https://giving.nicwa.org/forms/donate

08/24/2026

The Administration for Children and Families Annual Tribal Consultation begins tomorrow. Tribal leaders can register to attend at https://app.smartsheetgov.com/b/form/2c4c1869c1044f058b7f31a120bee4c4.

08/21/2026

“Judges play a critical role in safeguarding these interests by ensuring meaningful Tribal participation, making findings supported by evidence, and promoting timely permanency without unnecessarily sacrificing the child’s connection to family, community, and Tribe.”

“Judicial Checklist: Protecting Kin Relationships, Tribal Connections, and Cultural Identity in ICWA Cases”, the companion resource to Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network’s tip sheet for judges and attorneys, can be downloaded at https://www.gksnetwork.org/resources/judicial-checklist/.

This resource provides judicial questions and considerations that promote both legal compliance and better outcomes for Indian children and families.

08/19/2026

Submit your presentation and share the amazing work you’ve been doing at NICWA’s 45th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, April 4–7, 2027. Presenters are the heart and soul of this annual event, and we can't wait to learn about your best practices, cutting-edge programs, and creative advocacy for Native children and families.

Submit here: https://www.nicwa.org/conference/call-for-presentations/

Questions? We’re hosting an informational webinar on September 17, at 10:00 a.m. (PT). Register today at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_6k4fpr3iS1Glccbo9FHjBQ.

08/17/2026

When children are removed from their communities, culture is lost, and it can take generations to bring that back. Gail White Eagle didn’t grow up with her culture, but in her adulthood has become a dedicated steward of the traditional teachings of her people. She ensured that her children grew up with their culture and instilled it in their everyday lives so they would carry it on. Now, Muckleshoot and Chehalis art, craft, and teachings are abundant in her and her children’s home.

White Eagle commented on the beauty of seeing her granddaughter engage with cedar at a young age because she was so used to being around traditional medicines. Getting back to this point, where children grow up with ancestral teachings and craft was a labor of love and a valiant reclamation of what was taken. It took three generations, but she brought her culture back into her family.

Advocating for ICWA is making sure Native culture isn’t lost in the first place. Learn more about how you can support our work at https://www.nicwa.org/get-involved/ #/.