Connecting to Cultural Ways

Please join us for the final session in our 5-part discussion series addressing how child welfare leaders have supported their workforce in building resiliency during the pandemic and how others can incorporate these strategies into child welfare organizational environments. This session will highlight the importance of connecting to cultural ways.

Rita Hart, MSW, is a citizen of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and descendant of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. She serves as a Tribal Child Welfare Specialist at the Capacity Building Center for Tribes. Previously, she was the tribal training project coordinator for the University of Oklahoma. Her positions have focused on providing program training, technical assistance, capacity building and guidance for tribal child welfare programs. Her experience includes 29 years in state child welfare and Indian child welfare, including as a tribal programs social worker for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Rita serves on the conference and training committees for the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association. Her awards include the Oklahoma State Service Award Native American Heritage, County Director Leadership Award, CASA Distinguished Community Servant, OU Native American Student Award, OU State Leadership Award, and National Social Work Honor Society Award. Rita has many years of experience in training and presentation at the local, state and national levels.

She enjoys time with her family, designing creative and traditional regalia, and antique finding.