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MEDIA ADVISORY: NICWA Announces Four Host Sponsors for the 42nd Annual Protecting Our Children Conference

(Portland, Ore., April 3, 2024)—The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) received four $25,000 host sponsor­ships from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and The Pokémon Company International for this year’s 42nd Annual Protecting Our Children Conference, to be held in Seattle, Washington. Over 1,800 attendees are expected.

These extraordinary sponsorships will help NICWA provide a wide range of keynote speakers, workshop presenters, and peer learning opportunities for child welfare workers, tribal leaders, and advocates from across the U.S. and Canada at the premiere national event addressing tribal child welfare and the well-being of Native children.

“The Muckleshoot Tribe is proud to stand with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the Pokémon Company International to support the critical work of the National Indian Child Welfare Association and this important national event that will focus attention on the well-being of Native children,” said Muckleshoot Tribal Council Vice Chair Donny Stevenson.

“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,” said the Puyallup Tribal Council.

“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 the NICWA’s 42nd 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.

“The Pokémon Company International is proud and honored to be part of this year’s conference as part of its long-term support of NICWA,” said Raquel Daniels, chief diversity and social impact officer, The Pokémon Company International. “The impact NICWA has as advocates for tribal child welfare and well-being is inspiring as always, and we look forward to not only supporting its mission, but also attending to learn more about how we can continue to be partners in its incredible and important work. With this year’s event taking place in Seattle, we’re also looking forward to welcoming all attendees to our hometown and providing a unique experience featuring the inspiring joy of Pokémon at the conference.”

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About the National Indian Child Welfare Association

The National Indian Child Welfare Association works to support the safety, health, and spiritual strength of Native children­­­­ along the broad continuum of their lives. NICWA promotes building tribal capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect through positive systems change at the state, federal, and tribal level. For more information, visit www.nicwa.org.

About the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe

Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Duwamish ancestors were the first people of Seattle, hailing from the Duwamish and Upper Puyallup watersheds. Today, as a federally recognized tribe with an elected Tribal Council, Muckleshoot has strong government-to-government relationships with the City of Seattle, King County, and Washington State. As a sovereign tribal nation, we invest in our community, sustain our environment, and contribute to the regional economy. For more information please visit www.wearemuckleshoot.org.

About the Puyallup Tribe of Indians

The Puyallup People have lived along the shores of what is now called Puget Sound since time immemorial. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians is a sovereign nation of more than 5,000 members and one of the largest employers in Pierce County. It serves its people and neighbors with generosity and is committed to building a sustainable way of life for future generations. Learn more about the Puyallup Tribe at www.puyalluptribe-nsn.gov.

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 Pokémon
The Pokémon Company International, a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages the property outside of Asia and is responsible for brand management, licensing and marketing, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the animated TV series, home entertainment, and the official Pokémon website. Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 and today is one of the most popular children’s entertainment properties in the world. For more information, visit www.pokemon.com.