Hąą! Shekoli! Posoh! Boozhoo! Hello!

Welcome to the Spring 2025 edition of the Caregivers of Native American Children Newsletter. We’re excited to bring you another issue filled with meaningful stories and resources to support you in your journey as a caregiver.

In this edition, we explore the deep cultural significance of Native American hair and its spiritual and community importance—a powerful aspect of Native American identity. We also highlight upcoming spring powwows and other celebrations around Wisconsin, which provide excellent opportunities to connect with Native American traditions, culture, and community.

Additionally, we share valuable resources from the Wisconsin Family Connections Center (WIFCC) to help caregivers access the support they need when caring for Native American children. And, of course, we spotlight the First Nations Wisconsin newsletter, which brings essential Indigenous news and updates to the state.

We hope this newsletter helps you feel more connected, informed, and supported as we continue to celebrate Native American heritage and strengthen the well-being of Native American children and families.

With warm wishes,

Your Wisconsin Family Connections Center Team

Understanding the Sacred Significance of Indigenous Hair

Indigenous hair carries profound cultural, spiritual, and historical significance that goes far beyond personal appearance. For many tribal communities, hair represents identity, strength, wisdom, and connection to ancestors.

Why This Matters:

• Hair is considered sacred in many Indigenous cultures, embodying a person's life force and spiritual connection
• Traditional hairstyles and adornments signify tribal affiliation and cultural identity
• The forced cutting of Indigenous children's hair in boarding schools was a traumatic tool of cultural assimilation
• Understanding these traditions is especially important for foster parents and child welfare professionals

Our resource, "The Importance and Significance of Indigenous Hair," provides valuable insights into this often overlooked aspect of Indigenous culture and offers guidance on how to approach this topic with respect and cultural sensitivity.

Resource Highlights:

• Detailed explanation of spiritual and cultural significance across tribal traditions
• Historical context of boarding schools and forced assimilation
• Information on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and its importance
• Recommended children's books, including "My Powerful Hair" by Carole Lindstrom
• Video links and additional resources for deeper understanding

This resource is essential for anyone working with Indigenous children. Learning about these traditions helps build trust, honor cultural identity, and create supportive environments that respect tribal sovereignty.

Access the full resource in our library and join us in our commitment to cultural understanding and respect.

Pow Wows Happening in Wisconsin

A Pow Wow is a joyful celebration of Native American culture, filled with dancing, singing, drumming, and traditional foods. It's a time for families and communities to unite, honor their heritage, and celebrate their culture.

Finding a Pow Wow Happening in Wisconsin

• Many tribal websites and community event calendars list pow wows. We encourage you to reference the links below to keep up to date.
• Watch for flyers and posters in local businesses and community centers.
• Check with local tourism offices for information on Pow Wows in your area.

Links and Additional Resources:

• Pow Wows in Wisconsin – Wisconsin Pow Wow Calendar
• Drumhop.com
• Pow Wows In Your State - Find Pow Wows Near You On Our Pow Wow Calendar
• Find a Warm Welcome at WI Powwows
• NATOW : Native American Tourism of Wisconsin
• NATOW: Travel Guide

Upcoming Pow Wows

Information about the following events was available when this newsletter was published. Please refer to the links above for the most up-to-date information regarding upcoming Pow Wows in Wisconsin. Please note: dates can change; it is always best to check with the hosting Tribal Nations website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information.



• Ho-Chunk Nation Memorial Day Pow Wow - May 24-26, 2025
• Milwaukee Intertribal Circle Spring Pow Wow - Milton Vretenar Memorial Park, St. Francis, May 31, 2025
• St. Croix Casino Pow Wow - Turtle Lake, June 27–29, 2025
• Oneida Pow Wow - Norbert Hill Center, Oneida, June 27–29, 2025
• 46th Annual Red Cliff Pow Wow - July 4–6, 2025
• 49th Annual Stockbridge-Munsee Community Band of Mohican Indians Pow Wow - Many Trails Campground, Bowler, August 8-11, 2025
• Forest County Potawatomi Pow Wow - August 14-15, 2025
• Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa: Bad River Manoomin Celebration - August 15-17, 2025
• Ho-Chunk Labor Day Contest Pow Wow - August 30-September 1, 2025
• Milwaukee Intertribal New Year's Eve Pow Wow - December 31, 2025

WiFCC Tribal Resources

Recorded Trainings

Click on the links below to access the recently added recorded tribal trainings and/or to register for an upcoming tribal webinar via the Wisconsin Family Connections Center Classroom on Champion Classrooms.

• The Impact of Historical Trauma on Indigenous Peoples: Building Resiliency Through Culture
• The Impact of ICWA Courts: Approaches to Improving Outcomes for Indian Families

7 Generations: How to Care for Indigenous Children and Their Culture recording will be added to Champion Classrooms at a later date

The WiFCC website, https://wifamilyconnectionscenter.org/, has a calendar of training opportunities, conferences, family fun events, and more.

If you need technical assistance navigating the website and would like to connect directly with a member of our Resource Team to ask questions or to learn about additional resources, e-mail us at info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org or call our toll-free number at 1-800-762-8063.

First Nations Wisconsin Newsletter

Frank Vaisvilas is the Indigenous affairs reporter for USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin. He has been covering the latest news and important issues affecting Native American communities across the state since 2020. His First Nations Wisconsin newsletter offers weekly updates on tribal news and relevant developments to tribes located in Wisconsin. If you’re interested in learning more about the lives and concerns of Indigenous communities, this is a valuable resource you can access for free. To subscribe to his weekly newsletter, you can sign up here.

You can also sign up for newsletters from Native News Online and Indian Country Today.

We Value Your Input!

While we continue to collaborate with various partners in the tribal communities to gather their insights for these newsletters, your feedback remains crucial in shaping their future. We warmly invite you to share your thoughts and suggestions on the topics, stories, or features you’d like to see in upcoming issues. Together, we can create a newsletter that genuinely reflects the interests and needs of tribal communities in Wisconsin, ensuring caregivers of Native American children and the general public stay informed.



Please send your feedback to the Wisconsin Family Connections Center at info@wisconsinfamilyconnectionscenter.org or call us at 1-800-762-8063.



Thank you!

Wisconsin Family Connections Center

1-800-762-8063

info@wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

wifamilyconnectionscenter.org

All newsletter emails from the Wisconsin Family Connections Center are operated by the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families.