This past week, 4 of our U of MN MSW IV-E students had the opportunity to attend the Summer Institute in American Indian Child Welfare along with other IV-E child welfare students from UMD, St Cloud State and Mankato State. This year marked the 7th year of the Institute, which provides an opportunity for Tribal child welfare workers and administrators to connect and share best practices, discuss various perspectives, express challenges, and integrate new learning with other Indian Child Welfare professionals and scholars in a Tribal context.
On the evening prior to the start of the conference, students had the opportunity to participate in a sweat lodge ceremony lead by members of the Leech Lake community. It is a teaching lodge, and students were able to ask questions about the tradition and ritual elements that are included. During the conference, topics such as tribal sovereignty, ICWA social work practice and policy development, traditional Anishinaabe teachings about children and families, and tribally based reconciliation methods were included. There were also talking circles and a closing feast and pow-wow. The Summer Institute is a very impactful learning experience and students plan to integrate much of what they have learned as they move into their public child welfare field placements and beyond!