Tecumseh-Williams named DHS tribal affairs liaison

 Carmin Tecumseh-Williams has been named the Tribal Affairs Liaison for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS). She succeeds Jacque Hensley who resigned to become Tribal Chair of the Kaw Nation in July 2016.

Tecumseh-Williams is an enrolled member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and served as Director for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Children and Family Services Administration, providing direction and oversight of various social service programs including Indian child welfare, child protective services, foster care, adoptions, adult protective services and tribal juvenile justice. She also served on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation National Council for the Okmulgee District.

“DHS is fortunate to have Carmin as part of our team,” said DHS Director Ed Lake. “Oklahoma tribes hold a valuable place in our culture and we must enhance our partnerships with all tribes so we can better serve tribal communities across Oklahoma. Carmin’s background in child welfare makes her a strong choice to help us accomplish our goal of keeping children safe, recruiting more tribal foster homes, and providing needed services to tribal families.”

Tecumseh-Williams has 23 years of social work experience in both tribal and state programs. She has served tribal families throughout her career as a DHS child protective services specialist and in other state programs that provide youth services, shelter homes, and behavioral health services in Okmulgee, Okfuskee, Creek and Pawnee counties. She has served as President and Vice President of the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Association (OICWA), was appointed to the Oklahoma Child Death Review Board by former Secretary of State Chris Benge, and serves on various local and national children and family services boards, committees, and workgroups.

“I am extremely honored and excited to serve as tribal affairs liaison,” said Tecumseh-Williams. “This is an incredible opportunity to be part of Director Lake’s vision and commitment to building positive relationships with the tribes and DHS. Collaboration and partnership is a high priority.”

A native of Henryetta, Tecumseh-Williams earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern Oklahoma State University and a Master’s Degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. She began her new duties August 24.