OICWA is excited to announce we are returning to an in person event!
 
The conference is expanding to a full three-day agenda.

Day one features a keynote address by Daryle Conquering Bear, former foster youth and nationally recognized cultural advocate for native youth in foster care.  Mr. Conquering Bear will also facilitate a panel of foster parents who have provided care for native children and adults with lived experience in the foster care system. The afternoon will include ten breakout training session opportunities dedicated to foster care training for workers and foster parents.

Day two will include an opening ceremony, keynote address, ten (10) afternoon breakout training sessions and evening entertainment. Back by popular demand, OICWA Game Night is returning as the evening entertainment, hosted by the comical Jerad Swimmer, and will include the OICWA Membership Drive.

Day three will consist of (15) fifteen breakout sessions and a closing ceremony. Throughout the conference there will be cultural presentations, door prizes, and a silent auction. CEU, CLE, LPC, LMFT, CLEET, Foster Care and DHS Training Credit hours available.

Conference attendees will have an opportunity to explore and experience Choctaw culture and tradition through a guided tour of the Choctaw Cultural Center, a site visit to the Choctaw Nation Tribal Court, Choctaw Nation Headquarters, and Choctaw Nation Regional Medical Center. You can visit the website to explore the Choctaw Casino and Resort  https://www.choctawcasinos.com/durant/.

OICWA will continue its conference tradition of delivering premiere training and providing invaluable networking opportunities. Attendees will gain increased knowledge of the federal Indian Child Welfare Act, Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act, and current collaboration efforts with Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma Court systems, and other key stakeholders.

Conference session topics will focus on five primary training tracts: Policy & Procedure, Behavioral Health, Legal, Culture, and Juvenile Justice/Foster Care/Adoptions.

Search our website for important announcements and deadlines for the following:

• Call for Workshops

• Call for Artist 

• Scholarship Application

• Sponsorship Application

• Conference Awards 

  • Tribal Court Judge of the Year​

  • Tribal Resource Family of the Year

  • Richard Poweshiek ICWA Advocate Award

• Exhibitor/Vendor Application

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Stay tuned to the OICWA Website, Facebook, and Listserv for updates and announcements. For additional questions and information, please contact Te'Ata Loper, oicwa.gc@gmail.com.

We are honored by your presence and encouraged by your participation. On behalf of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association and Conference Planning Committee, we thank you for your attendance and continued support of OICWA!

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