National Indian Child Welfare Association

Mission

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) protects the safety, health, and cultural identity of all Native children and families—today and for future generations—by upholding culturally based services, community strength, and Tribal sovereignty.

Bottom Line

NICWA is dedicated to supporting strong Native communities, culturally grounded and Native-led approaches, and strengthening federal, state, and Tribal policy. NICWA convenes over 2,000 attendees at our Protecting Our Children Conference each year to share expertise, learn, and advance Native child advocacy; serves over 2,300 individuals, organizations, and Tribal NICWA members; and trains over 1,700 frontline professionals, community advocates, and leaders through training institutes, online courses, and community trainings. With your support, we can continue to uphold Tribal sovereignty, promote Tribal-led child welfare practices, and ensure Native children thrive in culturally abundant, well-resourced communities for generations to come.

Quote

“I work in the area of Indian Child Welfare and am grateful for the resources NICWA has and the advocacy NICWA does.”

“The Puyallup Tribe is proud to be a continued supporter of NICWA. We highly value the collaborative work done by all to ensure our children’s overall well-being. Stronger children lead to a stronger future.”

Incentives

The first two people who donate $50 or more on Sunday, November 1, will receive two club-level tickets and a parking pass to Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks on December 12, 2026. 

The first person who donates $150 or more on November 8 will receive an Eighth-Generation Signature Wool blanket. 

The first two people who donate on Monday, November 23, will receive two general admission tickets to OMSI. 

The first 50 donors who donate on Tuesday, December 1 will receive a handcrafted beaded medallion necklace, made by NICWA staff. 

The first person who donates on Wednesday, December 30 will receive a three-strand dentalium and pinenut necklace from Red Bee Creations by K Hudson.

Partner(s)

A huge thank you to our partners:

Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) focuses on the power of arts and collaboration to strengthen Native communities. They are partnering with NICWA for supportive spotlight messaging. 

Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) enhances the diverse strengths of youth and families in partnership with the community through cultural identity and education. They are partnering with NICWA for supportive spotlight messaging. 

The Salmonberry Trail focuses on building the 82-mile Salmonberry Trail, connecting us to our history, nature, and each other. They are partnering with NICWA for supportive spotlight messaging. 

Youth, Rights, and Justice advances the rights of children, parents, and families through advocacy in the courts, schools, legislature, and community. They are partnering with NICWA for supportive spotlight messaging. 

Eighth Generation provides a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” art and products through an artist-centric approach and 100% Native designed products. They graciously donated the blanket offered in our incentives. 

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) inspires curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, fosters experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulates informed action. They graciously donated the four general admission tickets offered in our incentives. 

Pavelcomm provides cyber security and technical assistance every day. They graciously donated the four Trail Blazers tickets with parking passes offered in our incentives.  

Red Bee Creations by K Hudson creates a blend of traditional and contemporary styles of Indigenous handmade jewelry. They graciously donated the necklace offered in our incentives.