NASW-CA Forms Native American Council

By Carly Kai Kohler, MSW, Chair, Native American Council and Shelly Kalmer, MSW, ACSW, Director, Region A and Member, Native American Council

From a proposal for support to Native American Social Work students to a full council, in the fall of 2012, then Student Representative-North Merris Obie presented a proposal to the NASW-California Chapter Board of Directors that asked for financial support to enable Native American social work students to attend conferences, Lobby Days and other events.  

A subcommittee was formed to help establish what is now known as Birdwoman Native American Scholarship. http://www.naswca.org/?page=NativeAmericanApp

We are honored to report that more than 20 students have benefitted from the scholarship.  One of those students, recent SFSU MSW graduate Carly Kai Kohler has been working with members of the original subcommittee to form this unique council of the chapter.

The council will address issues related to the indigenous communities and indigenous social workers including oversight of and fundraising for the established Birdwoman Scholarship. 

If you are interested in be a part of this exciting council, please contact Carly at NASWCA.NACouncil@gmail.com.