Osage Nation Social Services to Present “Overcoming Bias” at National Conference

The Osage Nation Social Services (ONSS) Department to present “Overcoming Bias,” a proposal selected from nationwide submissions by the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA). ONSS will present its proposal at the 40th Annual NICWA’s “Protecting Our Children” Conference on April 4 - 6, 2022. 

"The staff of Osage Nation Social Services is thankful for the honor of being chosen to present to their peers at the National Indian Child Welfare Conference," ONSS Director Ladonna Shadlow said. "We are blessed to have the support of our leadership in the fight against child abuse and neglect and thankful that our leadership recognizes how critical the essential services provided by our staff are to the protection of our children and families.” 

According to the NICWA website, NICWA hosts the largest national gathering on American Indian and Alaska Native child advocacy issues.  With over 1,400 attendees—growing every year—this three-day conference has become the premier national event addressing tribal child welfare and well-being. 

“In this climate where the Indian Child Welfare act continues to be threatened nationally, it is critical to have staff that is constantly learning and increasing their capacity to provide services with social work best practices in mind,” Shadlow continues. “Protection of the Indian Child Welfare act is the protection of Sovereignty. Osage Nation Social Services staff is humbled and thankful for the opportunity to serve as presenters for the National Indian Child Welfare Conference.”

For more information about NICWA, visit www.nicwa.org. 

For more information about ONSS, visit .osagenation-nsn.gov/services/social-services-agency. 

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