Kimee Wind Hummingbird
Overview
This session supports collaboration between Tribal and state child welfare systems in service of Indigenous youth in foster care and shares how participants and agencies can connect with the National Tribal Child Welfare Center for Innovation and Advancement for ongoing training and technical assistance. Designed for child-serving professionals working with Indigenous children and families, it offers a grounded understanding of how trauma, particularly when layered with the loss of culture, community, and identity, affects Indigenous children. The content explores how past and ongoing trauma shapes families and may surface in children’s behavior, development, and relationships, and how these responses are sometimes misinterpreted within child welfare systems. Using Indigenous-centered stories, reflection, and culturally grounded frameworks, participants gain practical insight that encourages systems and professionals to adjust their practice to align with the culture, strengths, and values of the community, rather than expecting Indigenous children and families to adapt themselves to systems that were not designed with their culture, strengths, and values in mind. The training emphasizes ICWA-informed practice, strengthens cross-system relationships, and promotes approaches that protect not only children’s safety, but also their cultural identity, sense of belonging, and long-term well-being, contributing to improved outcomes for Indigenous youth in care.
Facilitator(s)
Kimee Wind Hummingbird