August 2026 ORICWA Bulletin Inbox Oregon Department of Human Services Unsubscribe Fri, Aug 28, 12:01 PM (23 hours ago) to me Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. OTA Logo Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA) August 2026 Bulletin In this issue Director's Message Consultation Monthly Wrap-Up Tribal Affairs OWL Page ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Director's Message photo of man smiling This summer has offered many opportunities to come together, strengthen relationships and celebrate the cultures and traditions of Oregon’s Tribal communities. From summer powwows across the state to our annual Connect 2 Culture Day, we have seen the importance of creating spaces where Tribal youth and families can connect with culture, community and one another. We also came together for our ICWA Advisory, continuing the important work of listening, learning and strengthening our partnerships to better serve Tribal children and families. I am grateful to the Nine Tribes in Oregon, staff, families and communities who continue to make these connections possible and keep culture at the heart of our work. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Tribal-State ICWA Conference (Oct. 20-22, 2026) looking for volunteers The 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference (October 20-22, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Pendleton) is coming up and we are looking for volunteers interested in helping make this year’s event a success. Have you ever wondered what it takes to support a state-wide conference? Do you have a knack for staying calm and thinking on your feet when things get busy? If so, we’d love to hear from you! The conference, hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, will take place October 20-22, 2026, at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, OR. As a volunteer, you will commit to 6 total hours you will help with registration, event logistics and other conference needs. If you’d like to be considered, please complete the short application form linked below. The form will ask why you’re interested in attending, how the conference aligns with your work, and whether you have your supervisor’s approval to volunteer and to travel. Thank you for considering this opportunity. We appreciate your interest and engagement! 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Volunteer Application It’s Time! Baskets n’ Bundles for the 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference! The 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference planning committee is excited to announce its one-of-kind raffle of donated baskets and bundles that reflect your region, your community, your team, and respective Tribal Nation. This component of the conference is a highlight for all who attend! We are reaching out to all ODHS Districts, Community Partners and the Nine Tribes in Oregon to sponsor a basket and/or a bundle for the annual raffle. The donated baskets and/or bundles will be raffled throughout the conference. The theme for the conference this year is One Heart, One Mind. This year we are introducing the concept of “bundles”. Bundles are significant within many different Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. CTUIR Whipman, Andrew Wildbill, shared “Bundles are something we put away to be ready for ceremony. Often required to pay ceremonial services, to honor people respectfully. It’s a cultural transaction, out of respect and love for each other.” The attached flier has all the details on how you can get involved and contribute. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Ashley Harding, Senior ICWA Manager, Office of Tribal Affairs, at ashley.harding2@odhs.oregon.gov or (971) 283-1927. Ahé’hee! Thank you! one heart, one mind icwa flyer ICWA Warrior Spotlight: Tara Bridges, Multnomah County CPS Supervisor smiling woman with long brown hair Tara partnered with former program manager Cheryl Baldomaro Lucas to pioneer ICWA specific CPS casework positions in D2. Now ICWA CPS is it's own fully staffed and thriving unit. However, given Tara's knowledge of CPS casework, active efforts, and the spirit of ICWA made her a natural fit to train all incoming ICWA CPS workers. 3 out of the 4 current ICWA CPS workers were trained under Tara's thoughtful and diligent guidance. Tara recognizes the importance of trauma informed approaches to CPS work in general and the extra care and thorough efforts necessary when working with Native families given the generational trauma our agency has historically inflicted. Tara is patient, kind, and has built and maintained good working relationships with Oregon Tribes. She partners with the regional ICWA specialist to help train new CPS workers on best practice on ICWA cases and keeps native families at the forefront of her work. Thank you Tara, for your advocacy and heart. You truly embody the spirit of an ICWA Warrior! Nominations for 2026 ICWA Warriors are open! Visit the link to share your ICWA warrior nomination. Expand Your Knowledge on ICWA/ORICWA The Indian Child Welfare Act Educational Resource Video, produced by the Native American Rights Fund, explains why Congress enacted ICWA in 1978 and why the law remains essential. The video describes the long history of government policies and child welfare practices that separated Native children from their families, Tribes, cultures and communities. Before ICWA, Native children were removed from their homes at alarmingly high rates and were frequently placed in non-Native foster or adoptive homes, even when relatives or Tribal members were available. The video emphasizes that ICWA is not simply a placement law. It recognizes the sovereign authority of Tribal Nations and protects the collective interests of Native children, families and Tribes. ICWA requires meaningful Tribal involvement, efforts to prevent unnecessary family separation and placement practices that preserve children’s relationships with their extended families, Tribes, communities, and cultures. Ultimately, the video demonstrates that maintaining these connections is central to a Native child’s identity, belonging and long-term well-being. After listening, take time to reflect and discuss the video with your co-workers, supervisor, manager or a member of the Office of Tribal Affairs. Consider these questions to guide your discussion: What information in the video stood out to you or challenged something you previously understood about ICWA? How does ICWA recognize and protect Tribal sovereignty? Why should connection to family, Tribe, culture and community be considered part of a child’s safety and well-being? What does meaningful partnership with a child’s Tribe look like in practice? What is one action you can take to continue learning about Tribal history, Tribal sovereignty, ICWA/ORICWA or current issues impacting Tribal Nations? For support, reach out to your Regional ICWA Specialist or ICWA Consultant. Visit the Tribal Affairs ICWA OWL page for more tools and resources to support your ICWA/ORICWA practice. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner odhs logo and walking together Walking Together: Native Perspectives – Join us Sep. 22 We are excited to invite all ODHS employees to join Walking Together: Native Perspectives on Tuesday, Sep. 22 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This interactive, virtual session (via Teams) is part of an ongoing monthly series held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Whether you are new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this series offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow. Walking Together is designed to strengthen how we work with Tribal families and communities. Grounded in Native perspectives, the series focuses on cultural humility, relationship-building, and honoring Tribal sovereignty and lived experiences. Each session provides practical insights and encourages thoughtful discussion on how we can better support Native families through respectful, collaborative, and culturally responsive approaches. What to Expect Engaging, facilitated sessions with subject matter experts Practical guidance you can apply in your work Opportunities for discussion, reflection, and learning A new topic each month to expand your understanding 2026 Session Schedule September 22: Rebekah Winger (Tlingit and Haida) and Ashley Harding (Diné/Navajo) Every Child Matters: The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day October 27: Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Remembering, Resisting, and Resilience November 24: Thanksgiving: Native Perspectives Note: Registration is currently available for one session at a time. We are working to offer multi-session registration in the future. Summary Walking Together: Native Perspectives is a monthly learning series that helps ODHS staff build stronger relationships with Tribal communities. It offers practical tools, real-world context, and a deeper understanding of Native perspectives to support more effective and respectful service delivery. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Consultation Monthly Wrap-Up There were no Tribal consultations in August. For more information on the letters sent to Tribes, and to access past letters, please visit the Tribal Consultation webpage. Tribal Consultation webpage ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Tribal Affairs OWL Page Visit the Tribal Affairs OWL page to find the most updated Oregon Tribal contacts and ICWA agents for federally recognized Tribal Nations. You will also find additional resources, educational videos and so much more. Bookmark or click "Follow" at the top right of the contacts page for easy access. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner

August 2026 ORICWA Bulletin Inbox Oregon Department of Human Services Unsubscribe Fri, Aug 28, 12:01 PM (23 hours ago) to me Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. OTA Logo Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act (ORICWA) August 2026 Bulletin In this issue Director's Message Consultation Monthly Wrap-Up Tribal Affairs OWL Page ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Director's Message photo of man smiling This summer has offered many opportunities to come together, strengthen relationships and celebrate the cultures and traditions of Oregon’s Tribal communities. From summer powwows across the state to our annual Connect 2 Culture Day, we have seen the importance of creating spaces where Tribal youth and families can connect with culture, community and one another. We also came together for our ICWA Advisory, continuing the important work of listening, learning and strengthening our partnerships to better serve Tribal children and families. I am grateful to the Nine Tribes in Oregon, staff, families and communities who continue to make these connections possible and keep culture at the heart of our work. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Tribal-State ICWA Conference (Oct. 20-22, 2026) looking for volunteers The 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference (October 20-22, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Pendleton) is coming up and we are looking for volunteers interested in helping make this year’s event a success. Have you ever wondered what it takes to support a state-wide conference? Do you have a knack for staying calm and thinking on your feet when things get busy? If so, we’d love to hear from you! The conference, hosted by the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, will take place October 20-22, 2026, at Wildhorse Resort & Casino in Pendleton, OR. As a volunteer, you will commit to 6 total hours you will help with registration, event logistics and other conference needs. If you’d like to be considered, please complete the short application form linked below. The form will ask why you’re interested in attending, how the conference aligns with your work, and whether you have your supervisor’s approval to volunteer and to travel. Thank you for considering this opportunity. We appreciate your interest and engagement! 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference Volunteer Application It’s Time! Baskets n’ Bundles for the 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference! The 2026 Tribal-State ICWA Conference planning committee is excited to announce its one-of-kind raffle of donated baskets and bundles that reflect your region, your community, your team, and respective Tribal Nation. This component of the conference is a highlight for all who attend! We are reaching out to all ODHS Districts, Community Partners and the Nine Tribes in Oregon to sponsor a basket and/or a bundle for the annual raffle. The donated baskets and/or bundles will be raffled throughout the conference. The theme for the conference this year is One Heart, One Mind. This year we are introducing the concept of “bundles”. Bundles are significant within many different Tribes, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. CTUIR Whipman, Andrew Wildbill, shared “Bundles are something we put away to be ready for ceremony. Often required to pay ceremonial services, to honor people respectfully. It’s a cultural transaction, out of respect and love for each other.” The attached flier has all the details on how you can get involved and contribute. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Ashley Harding, Senior ICWA Manager, Office of Tribal Affairs, at ashley.harding2@odhs.oregon.gov or (971) 283-1927. Ahé’hee! Thank you! one heart, one mind icwa flyer ICWA Warrior Spotlight: Tara Bridges, Multnomah County CPS Supervisor smiling woman with long brown hair Tara partnered with former program manager Cheryl Baldomaro Lucas to pioneer ICWA specific CPS casework positions in D2. Now ICWA CPS is it's own fully staffed and thriving unit. However, given Tara's knowledge of CPS casework, active efforts, and the spirit of ICWA made her a natural fit to train all incoming ICWA CPS workers. 3 out of the 4 current ICWA CPS workers were trained under Tara's thoughtful and diligent guidance. Tara recognizes the importance of trauma informed approaches to CPS work in general and the extra care and thorough efforts necessary when working with Native families given the generational trauma our agency has historically inflicted. Tara is patient, kind, and has built and maintained good working relationships with Oregon Tribes. She partners with the regional ICWA specialist to help train new CPS workers on best practice on ICWA cases and keeps native families at the forefront of her work. Thank you Tara, for your advocacy and heart. You truly embody the spirit of an ICWA Warrior! Nominations for 2026 ICWA Warriors are open! Visit the link to share your ICWA warrior nomination. Expand Your Knowledge on ICWA/ORICWA The Indian Child Welfare Act Educational Resource Video, produced by the Native American Rights Fund, explains why Congress enacted ICWA in 1978 and why the law remains essential. The video describes the long history of government policies and child welfare practices that separated Native children from their families, Tribes, cultures and communities. Before ICWA, Native children were removed from their homes at alarmingly high rates and were frequently placed in non-Native foster or adoptive homes, even when relatives or Tribal members were available. The video emphasizes that ICWA is not simply a placement law. It recognizes the sovereign authority of Tribal Nations and protects the collective interests of Native children, families and Tribes. ICWA requires meaningful Tribal involvement, efforts to prevent unnecessary family separation and placement practices that preserve children’s relationships with their extended families, Tribes, communities, and cultures. Ultimately, the video demonstrates that maintaining these connections is central to a Native child’s identity, belonging and long-term well-being. After listening, take time to reflect and discuss the video with your co-workers, supervisor, manager or a member of the Office of Tribal Affairs. Consider these questions to guide your discussion: What information in the video stood out to you or challenged something you previously understood about ICWA? How does ICWA recognize and protect Tribal sovereignty? Why should connection to family, Tribe, culture and community be considered part of a child’s safety and well-being? What does meaningful partnership with a child’s Tribe look like in practice? What is one action you can take to continue learning about Tribal history, Tribal sovereignty, ICWA/ORICWA or current issues impacting Tribal Nations? For support, reach out to your Regional ICWA Specialist or ICWA Consultant. Visit the Tribal Affairs ICWA OWL page for more tools and resources to support your ICWA/ORICWA practice. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner odhs logo and walking together Walking Together: Native Perspectives – Join us Sep. 22 We are excited to invite all ODHS employees to join Walking Together: Native Perspectives on Tuesday, Sep. 22 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. This interactive, virtual session (via Teams) is part of an ongoing monthly series held on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Whether you are new to this topic or looking to deepen your understanding, this series offers a meaningful opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow. Walking Together is designed to strengthen how we work with Tribal families and communities. Grounded in Native perspectives, the series focuses on cultural humility, relationship-building, and honoring Tribal sovereignty and lived experiences. Each session provides practical insights and encourages thoughtful discussion on how we can better support Native families through respectful, collaborative, and culturally responsive approaches. What to Expect Engaging, facilitated sessions with subject matter experts Practical guidance you can apply in your work Opportunities for discussion, reflection, and learning A new topic each month to expand your understanding 2026 Session Schedule September 22: Rebekah Winger (Tlingit and Haida) and Ashley Harding (Diné/Navajo) Every Child Matters: The Story Behind Orange Shirt Day October 27: Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Remembering, Resisting, and Resilience November 24: Thanksgiving: Native Perspectives Note: Registration is currently available for one session at a time. We are working to offer multi-session registration in the future. Summary Walking Together: Native Perspectives is a monthly learning series that helps ODHS staff build stronger relationships with Tribal communities. It offers practical tools, real-world context, and a deeper understanding of Native perspectives to support more effective and respectful service delivery. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Consultation Monthly Wrap-Up There were no Tribal consultations in August. For more information on the letters sent to Tribes, and to access past letters, please visit the Tribal Consultation webpage. Tribal Consultation webpage ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner Tribal Affairs OWL Page Visit the Tribal Affairs OWL page to find the most updated Oregon Tribal contacts and ICWA agents for federally recognized Tribal Nations. You will also find additional resources, educational videos and so much more. Bookmark or click "Follow" at the top right of the contacts page for easy access. ODHS Tribal Affairs newsletter banner