The Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association (OICWA) is proud to announce our 18th Annual Conference, taking place in person at the Chickasaw Nation’s breathtaking new OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark in Oklahoma City, from November 18–20, 2025!

​

This year’s theme, “Protecting Sovereignty: Building Strong Foundations for the Future,” reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening ICWA and Tribal child welfare through advocacy, education, and cultural connection. Founded in 1984, OICWA celebrates 41 years of advocacy, collaboration, and progress. This conference will honor those accomplishments while advancing ICWA knowledge, Tribal sovereignty, and collective efforts to protect Native children and families.

​

🏆What to Expect:

The OICWA Conference is the largest Tribal child welfare training event in Oklahoma, drawing ICWA professionals, Tribal leaders, legal advocates, state child welfare workers and community partners from across the nation. We are especially honored to welcome representatives from the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) as special guests this year.

 

📌Three-Day Agenda:

• Day One: Opening Ceremony, Keynote Address, Award Presentations, and Breakout Sessions

• Day Two: Morning Plenary, Breakout Sessions

• Day Three: Final Breakouts, Closing Keynote

• Cultural presentations, networking, and special events throughout all three days!

​

🎓Training Tracks Include:

• Policy & Procedure

• Behavioral Health

• Legal

• Culture

• Juvenile Justice, Foster Care, & Adoptions

• Wellness

​

🎉 New & Returning Highlights:

• OICWA/ Oklahoma Tribes-Themed Scavenger Hunt – Form your teams! Instructions will be shared via the Whova app. Grand Prize winners!

• Complimentary Admission to the First Americans Museum for all registered attendees

• OICWA Membership Drive – Renew or join for prize entries and updates

• The Wellness Room – Back by popular demand! Experience a peaceful space offering beading, storytelling, and cultural wellness-focused activities that support reflection, healing, and community connection.

• Exhibitor Booths, Door Prizes, Silent Auction, and more!

• Training Credit Hours Available: CEU, CLE, LPC, LMFT, CLEET, Foster Care, and DHS

• Chickasaw culture will be woven throughout the conference experience.

​

📝 Important Deadlines:

Check our website regularly for details and submission links for:

• Call for Workshops – Deadline: September 15, 2025

• Sponsorship Opportunities

• Exhibitor & Vendor Applications

• Conference Awards Nominations:

  • Tribal Court Judge of the Year

  • Tribal Resource Family of the Year

  • Richard Poweshiek ICWA Advocate Award

 

🏨 Host Hotel Information

OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark – Official Host Hotel

​

🛏️ Room Block Details:

• Dates Available: November 17–20, 2025

• Nightly Rate: $129 per night

• Reservation Deadline: Saturday, October 18, 2025 (Room block closes)

 

🌊Included Perks:

• Two complimentary waterpark passes per reservation

• Resort fee waived for all OICWA attendees

 

We encourage you to book early to secure this special rate and enjoy the incredible amenities of OKANA Resort!

https://www.okanaresort.com

​

📢 Stay Connected

Follow us on:

• OICWA Website

• Facebook

​

On behalf of the OICWA Board and Conference Planning Committee, we thank you for your continued support. We are honored by your presence and encouraged by your participation as we gather once again to protect Native children, preserve Native families, and empower our future.

​

We look forward to seeing you in November at OKANA!!

​

For additional questions, contact:
Te’Ata Loper – oicwa.gc@gmail.com