Cal-ICWA News
Native American Community Development Training Program
Posted on October 15, 2008NeighborWorks Training Institute
Participants from the Native American Community Development Training ProgramThis is a valuable learning opportunity of training courses specifically tailored for the professional needs of Native American community development practitioners and others working to serve Indian Country. It is offered periodically through the year.
Five days of learning and education will be taught by a faculty of seasoned practitioners with extensive experience working in Native American community development. Participants will have two training program options. Click here to learn more about the training program courses and options.Participants will not only gain practical tools, new ideas and fresh solutions, but have the opportunity to acquire a certificate of Professional Recognition in Native Homebuyer Education and network with peers at a special Welcome Reception for the Native American Community Development Training Program.
Who should attend?
* Tribal leaders
* Native nonprofit staff members working in community development, housing, home ownership and economic development
* Tribal government officials
* Tribal designated housing entities
* Tribal enterprises
* Nonprofit developers working in Native communities
* Private-sector partners doing business in Native Communities
* Government officials whose work focuses on Native American community developmen
Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Legislation to Improve California's Foster Care System
Posted on October 15, 2008On September 28, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger announced the signing of five bills aimed at improving the lives of children and youth in California’s foster care system.
To view a copy of the press release outlining the bills, as well as other accomplishments in the area of foster care. http://gov.ca.gov/index.php?/print-version/press-release/10660/
President Bush signed the H.R. 6893 into law Oct 7, 2008
Posted on October 14, 2008Below is the alert circulated by the Children’s Defense Fund, which has played a major role in organizing advocates, along with the Center for Law and Social Policy and many other wonderful advocacy organizations in D.C. Thank you to everyone who helped to make this a reality by writing letters, calling your elected officials, testifying and working with the media. This is an incredibly important development that will change the lives of thousands of children and youth in foster care nationally by:
* Creating a subsidized guardianship program for kinship providers
* Expanding and improving adoption incentives
* Maintaining sibling ties and creating family connections for youth in foster care
* Improving outcomes for older youth by improving transition planning
* Expanding funding for training
* Allowing Indian tribes direct access to federal foster care funding
* Requiring increased health and education for children in foster care
* Providing states the option to extend foster care to age 21!!
INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT
Posted on December 21, 2007
31st Annual Indian School on Alcohol and Other Drug Related Issues
Posted on December 13, 2007
ATNI 54th Annual Training Institute
Posted on August 24, 2007Promising Models of Tribal Children’s Codes
September 16, 2007
8:30 am—4:30 pm
Quinault Beach Resort and Casino
Ocean Shores, WA
Sponsored by the Indian Child Welfare & Social Services Committee
Presenter:
Arlana Bettelyoun
Director Oglala Lakota CASA
“Children’s Advocacy and Laws: Wakanyeja Tiwahe Ta Woope; From a Tribal Perspective”
In pre-reservation life, Native Americans had their own system of values and beliefs that helped maintain peace and harmony. Respect, courage, and generosity are just a few of the values that many tribes used as a guide to help maintain this peace and harmony. At the foundation of all values and laws was the safety and importance of family, especially the children and kinship network of the extended family. In this training, participants will learn the process that Oglala Lakota Sioux tribal members took in developing a culturally relevant children’s and family code based on the traditional values and beliefs that provide the safety and hold perpetrators accountable. Participants will also learn how to keep focused the grassroots people, professionals, and others involved, and to keep motivated when our own internalized oppression becomes apparent.
NO REGISTRATION FEE REQUIRED
The government per diem rate is no longer available at the Quinault Beach Resort and Casino. The Best Western across the street has rooms available and will honor the ATNI guest room rate of $69.95 per night.
Best Western Lighthouse Suites Inn
491 Damon Road
Ocean Shores, WA 98569
(360) 289-2311
(800) 780-7234
http://www.bestwestern.com
If you have any questions, please contact Connie Bear King at (503) 222-4044, extension 128, or by email at cbearking@nicwa.org .

