The Oregon Judicial Project’s State Tribal Grant Steering Committee recently hosted its very first in-person Grantee Meeting in Salem, Oregon, bringing together leaders, partners, and advocates focused on strengthening support for Native youth and families.

It was the perfect setting for FosterClub’s Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders to connect and network with local Native advocates and leaders.

Centering Native Youth and Families

At the meeting, discussions focused on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the latest research on Native communities, and recent court decisions from the Oregon Court of Appeals about keeping a tribal customary adoption in place. The goal was clear: ensure that Native youth and families are supported, heard, and valued.
And at the heart of those conversations? Young people with lived experience.

Meet the LEx Leaders

Two of FosterClub’s incredible LEx Leaders traveled to Salem to represent the voices of Native youth in foster care:

• Soby Mejia (she/her), who experienced 3 years in foster care as a result of ICWA.
• Gloria Bigback (she/her), who experienced 15 years in foster care as a result of ICWA.

Both Soby and Gloria shared their perspectives and experiences directly with system leaders, making sure lived experience stories remained front and center in conversations about Native youth and families.

“It’s nice to know we’re not alone, that there are people that support us. We got to talk about ways for the courts and for advocates for Native Youth to grow based on insight I provided. These spaces are so needed.”

-Soby Mejia, 3 years in Oregon foster care system
 

“This meeting was so important and I have so much respect for those who work for ICWA issues. Today shows that so many people care and that there is so much work that continues to be needed and improved. It feels good to be counted into this project for my thoughts and ideas, and to hear from other lived experts whose input is so important. It shows there is more to learn.”

-Gloria Bigback, 15 years in Oregon foster care system

Key Takeaways

At the Oregon Judicial Project’s first in-person Grantee Meeting, conversations highlighted how ICWA court decisions affect Native youth and families but what stood out even more was the powerful impact of having lived experience leaders at the table.

• Lived Experience Leadership Matters: When youth who’ve experienced foster care through ICWA share directly with decision-makers, policies and programs better reflect reality.
• Supporting Native Communities: ICWA and recent court cases underscore how critical it is to protect and strengthen Native families especially when Native youth leaders help demonstrate what works.
• Partnership in Action: Leaders and partners left with insights that go beyond research. Hearing directly from Native youth deepened the conversation and built momentum for meaningful change.

Why It Matters

Too often, Native youth and families face barriers that systems fail to fully address. But when Lived Experience Leaders like Soby and Gloria share their perspectives, systems gain the knowledge they need to make better, more informed decisions.

This first Grantee Meeting was a step toward real change, with Lived Experience Leaders lighting the path forward.