Join us for this episode of the Academy i3 Podcast as we welcome Sunni Dominguez, Tribal Stars Program Manager and member of the Ipay Nation of Santa Isabel. Sunni shares her expertise on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), discussing its history, why it matters, and how it impacts Native American families and child welfare professionals.

In this conversation, we cover:

• The origins and purpose of ICWA

• Key provisions and compliance challenges

• The importance of cultural connection and community leadership

• Best practices for social workers and agencies

• Real stories and lived experiences from Native communities

Whether you’re a child welfare professional, student, or someone interested in social justice and Native American issues, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable steps for making a positive impact.

Sunni Dominguez is Iipay/Kumeyaay from the Ipay Nation of Santa Ysabel. She served as an elected tribal official for 14 years and currently sits on the Tribal Advisory Committee for the CDSS Office of Tribal Affairs. With over 20 years of experience in tribal family advocacy, early childhood education, and cultural preservation, she now serves as Program Manager for the Academy for Professional Excellence Tribal STAR program. As a trainer for ICWA: Working with Native American Families and Tribes, Sunni draws on her experiences as a mother, grandmother, foster parent, and Indian custodian to support better outcomes for Native American children and families. Her work focuses on spiritual healing and protecting past, present, and future generations.👍 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes!