Concurrent Programming

Every year, partners in the field of child and family advocacy and policy recognize the NICWA Protecting Our Children Conference as the pre-eminent gathering of child advocacy experts, practitioners, and advocates in Indian Country. As a result, our conference welcomes a number of concurrent events each year, from federal listening sessions, to adult adoptee gatherings, to children’s mental health meetings.

Below is information from the 42nd Annual Conference. 

Membership Reception and Annual Meeting

Sunday, April 7, 2024
7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Grand Ballroom

Help us kick off our conference at our Annual Membership Meeting as we start the conference. We will be welcomed by the Puyallup Tribe’s Heritage Division who will share a song and blessing to start us off in a good way. This is a great opportunity to relax, network with your fellow NICWA members, and enjoy some light refreshments and inspiring words from NICWA Founder and Senior Advisor Terry Cross as he speaks on the topic of “Why NICWA Members Matter: A 27-year Retrospective.” Additionally, NICWA Executive Director Sarah Kastelic will address the assembly, the board will provide a brief year-in-review, and we will announce the board members up for election.

Gathering for Adoptees, Former Foster Children, and Birth Relatives:
Anyone who has been touched by adoption or foster care

Monday, April 8, 2024
6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Evergreen 3-4

First Nations Repatriation Institute Founder and Director Sandy White Hawk will facilitate a special meeting intended for American Indian and Alaska Native adoptees, former foster children, and birth parents. Birth parents are parents whose children were adopted out. Birth relatives are relatives who have a sibling, cousin, or other relative who was or is adopted out or in foster care. All are welcome, and a light dinner will be provided.

Coastal Jam Hosted by the Muckleshoot Tribe

Monday, April 8, 2024
7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
Grand Ballroom

Join us for a memorable Pacific Northwest cultural experience hosted by the Muckleshoot Tribe. We will enjoy traditional songs and dances as we celebrate our shared commitment and dedication to protecting our children and families. Light refreshments will be served.

National Day of Prayer for Native Children

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
7:30 a.m.–8:15 a.m.
Patio near general session

As advocates for Native children gather for NICWA’s 42nd Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, we call upon Native communities and our partners nationwide to join together in a National Day of Prayer for Native Children. Please join us in person for this respectful gathering or host an event in your community to demonstrate support for all Native children.

Conference Shirt Day           

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Get ready to showcase your conference spirit in style! In celebration of conference unity, we invite you to wear your conference shirt or NICWA sweatshirt on Wednesday, April 10.

NICWA Post Conference Training Institute
Wednesday, April 10–12, 2024
Additional Registration Required

Join us after the conference for multi-day training institutes. Topics include Positive Indian Parenting (Full) and Understanding ICWA. Register today. Advance registration is required.