April Newsletter - DIFRC job opportunities, Painting Class, Powwows and more!

April 2022 Newsletter

Pictured: The Native American Student Union of Colorado College 2019 powwow. Photo By Rising Sun Photography.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Hello and happy Spring!

There is a lot of information to share this week including a number of DIFRC programs and powwows around the state.

Here at DIFRC, we hope this message finds you well during a season of growth!

Have a great month everyone,

Johnny McCraigie

DIFRC Announcements

Painting Class for Young People!

April 30th from 10AM-12:30PM

205 W. 5th Ave Denver 80204

DIFRC is hosting a 'Bepsi and Paint' instructor guided painting activity for young people ages 8-17 at Four Winds American Indian Council.

The whole family is welcome
Parents are asked to accompany children 11 and younger
Parents of 12+ can attend, but not required
All supplies will be provided
Free snacks and beverages
Activities for 3-7 year old's
Masks required

Nurturing Parenting Program

"Blending traditional Native American beliefs and practices with Nurturing Parenting."

NPP is on a break for now, but will restart classes in April. More information to come!

Call DIFRC at 720-500-1020 if you have any questions.

Facing an Eviction?

Currently, DIFRC has limited funding to help a handful of low-income Denver Metro families who are facing an eviction.

Please fill out our form here for help.

If you need resources now, please contact the COVID19 Eviction Defense Project at www.cedproject.org

We are adding to our team!

The current job openings at DIFRC are:

Family Engagement Specialist
Executive Director

If you're interested in working with Native families in the Denver Metro Area, we invite you to apply. Send a cover letter and resume to apply@difrc.org

Read more about DIFRC job opportunities here.

About DIFRC's Resource and Referral Services

DIFRC’s Resource and Referral staff are the first point of contact for clients requesting services. Our staff connect families and individuals to agency services and provide external referrals for a variety of needs including:

Utility assistance
Transportation
Baby items
Clothing
Housing referrals
Legal referrals
and more

Resource and Referral Specialist

Alisiana Medina holds this position and works with countless community members who call or connect with DIFRC. Please reach out to her if you have any questions amedina@difrc.org or 720-500-1010.

Outreach Coordinator

Patrick Killscrow holds this position and directly connects with and bridges the community to DIFRC's work and services. Patrick works with and advocates for elders, unhoused relatives, young people, and anyone else he comes in contact with and provides guidance, information, and resources. Patrick is a humble elder and shares and offers his knowledge about culture with the community and DIFRC staff.

He can be reached at pkillscrow@difrc.org or 720-500-1001.

Community Announcements

This Month is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

National Child Abuse Prevention Month recognizes the importance of families and communities working together to strengthen families to prevent child abuse and neglect. Through this collaboration, prevention services help to protect children and produce thriving families.

For more information click here.

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Rally

You are invited to participate in the National Day of Awareness for MMIR Rally at 3 p.m. on May 5th in Colorado Springs.

To download more information click here.

Paid Research Opportunity for University of Denver

Biology, Environment, and Mood Studies Lab is trying to understand how relationships, stress, and the environment in the lives of teenagers and parents affect mental and physical health.

Participating in this study can help better understand what contributes to depression, anxiety, and other important health outcomes, to better support families and communities. Results from this study can be used to collaborate at the policy and legislative level to improve mental health care in all communities, including the American Indian community.

Parents and their children may be eligible if the child is between 13-17 years.

More information on this paid study opportunity is available here.

Lakota Way Healing Center Arts and Craft Fair

April 23 and 24

Come celebrate diverse Native American artists, outstanding jewelry makers, crafters and traditional food makers of North America.

More info is available here.

Colorado College Native American Student Union Powwow

Be a part of the Native American Student Union Powwow, free to the public

From 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday April 16th at the Tava Quad on 14 E. Cache La Poudre St.

More information and a full event schedule can be viewed here.

Powwow and Art Market

Northern Colorado Intertribal Powwow Association welcomes you to the 28th Annual Powwow and Art Market from Friday April 8th-Sunday April 10th at the Northside Aztlan Community Center on 112 E. Willow St. Fort Collins, CO 80524

Click here for more information.

ICWA Corner

Did you know...

ICWA was established in 1978 to protect AI/AN children from the biased practices of child welfare. ICWA encourages states and tribes to develop effective relationships and procedures to carefully coordinate the care of AI/AN children and families.

Even still today, 56% of adopted AI/AN children are adopted outside their families and communities.

DONATE HERE

Include DIFRC in your gift giving plan and support American Indian and Alaska Native families. Donate today!