(Portland, Ore., March 2, 2026)—The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is honored to announce that Choctaw Nation Children & Family Services, Muscogee Nation, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Casey Family Programs are $25,000 Host Sponsors of the 44th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, which will be held March 29–April 1, 2026, in Oklahoma City. Over 1,400 attendees are expected at this premier national event dedicated to Tribal child welfare and the well-being of Native children and families.
These generous sponsorships from Choctaw Nation Children & Family Services, Muscogee Nation, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and Casey Family Programs will help NICWA provide a wide range of engaging keynote speakers, workshop presenters, and peer learning opportunities for child welfare professionals, Tribal leaders, and advocates from across the U.S. and Canada.
“Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services is proud to stand with NICWA as a Host Sponsor of the 44th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, ” said Choctaw Nation Indian Child Welfare Director Amanda Robinson. “The Protecting Our Children Conference is an important opportunity for all of us who value the well-being of Native children and families to learn from and strengthen one another.”
Principal Chief David Hill of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation said, “We’re so thrilled to partner with NICWA for the 44th Annual Protecting our Children Conference, right here in Indian Territory. We ask ourselves, with every decision we make at the Muscogee Nation, how will this affect our future generations? So, nothing could be of greater importance than the protection of our children. Every day, we are grateful for the tireless work and advocacy of the heroes at NICWA that are on the frontlines of battle for our children. We honor them, we support this organization, and we look forward to the progress that ultimately follows the critical events like we are hosting this week.”
“Protecting our children is not just an act of compassion; it is an affirmation of our Tribe’s resilience and commitment to the well-being of future generations. As sponsors of NICWA’s 44th Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, the Seminole Tribe of Florida stands firm in our dedication to safeguard the spiritual, physical, and emotional health of Native children. Together, we are paving a path of strength and safety for them, guided by the wisdom of our ancestors and the unwavering spirit of our communities,” said Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr., Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Another sponsor of note is Casey Family Programs, the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care while improving the safety and well-being of children. Their dedication to building communities of hope—where all children can thrive in their own families, communities, and Tribes—aligns with NICWA’s efforts to support the safety and well-being of Native children, and together we are working towards realizing this vision.
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About the National Indian Child Welfare Association
The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) protects the safety, health, and cultural identity of Native children and families today and for future generations. NICWA strengthens Tribal capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect, advances policies that uphold Tribal sovereignty, and promotes Native-led, culturally grounded approaches to child welfare. Through advocacy, coalition-building, workforce training, and technical assistance to improve service systems, NICWA works at the Tribal, local, state, and national levels to ensure that Native children can thrive within their families and communities. Learn more at www.nicwa.org.
About Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services
The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian nation in the United States, with over 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. The first Tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma. The Choctaw Nation’s vision, “Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture,” is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. Choctaw Nation Children and Family Services works on behalf of Choctaw children and families in accordance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978. Choctaw Nation social workers collaborate with Tribal services, state workers, and the courts to ensure the safety of children, provide services to families affected by abuse and neglect, and provide stable, nurturing homes for Choctaw children.
About Muscogee Nation
The Muscogee Nation is the fourth largest tribe in the U.S. with more than 104,000 citizens. One of the Five Civilized Tribes, the Muscogee Nation is a self-governed sovereign with Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of Government headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. The Muscogee Nation is a diverse tribe with entities in business, community, culture, education, gaming, higher learning, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism.
About the Seminole Tribe of Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is headquartered in Hollywood, Florida. It is a federally recognized sovereign government with an elected Tribal Council. Governmental expenditures are earmarked for police and fire protection, emergency medical services, education, health care, housing, water treatment, economic development, and parks and recreation. For more information, visit www.semtribe.com.
About Casey Family Programs
Casey Family Programs is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care in the United States. Their mission is to provide and improve—and ultimately prevent the need for—foster care. Founded in 1966, Casey Family Programs works in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and with Tribal Nations across North America to influence long-lasting improvements to the well-being of children, families and the communities where they live. They are committed to Building Communities of Hope, a nationwide effort to prevent the need for foster care by supporting families in raising safe, happy and healthy children.