Te'ata Loper and Kim Johnson
Overview
This workshop explores the history, mission, and ongoing impact of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association, Inc. (OICWA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization representing the interests of Tribal Child Welfare programs throughout the State of Oklahoma. Established through the collective advocacy of an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Task Force in the early 1980s, OICWA emerged in response to critical needs identified by Tribes and Indian Child Welfare professionals committed to protecting American Indian children, strengthening families, and upholding Tribal sovereignty.
Participants will learn how the original ICWA Task Force successfully advocated for the passage of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act in 1982 and how those efforts led to the formal establishment of OICWA in 1984. The session will highlight OICWA’s continued role as a unified and influential voice for Tribal Child Welfare programs and its dedication to advancing the vision and mission of its founding members.
Speakers will share best practices, lessons learned and identified areas for growth within Oklahoma Tribal Child Welfare Programs, as well as insights relevant to state agencies and court partners. Topics include the current ICWA landscape in Oklahoma, Tribal–state partnerships, collaboration and advocacy strategies, strategic planning and goal setting, and the strengths and challenges facing Tribal Child Welfare programs today. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how collaboration, peer-to-peer learning, and intentional engagement can strengthen Tribal sovereignty and increase meaningful American Indian representation within child welfare systems and partnership spaces.
Facilitator(s)
Te'ata Loper and Kim Johnson