The Three Brothers

This story begins in Nevada with three resilient boys: Kota, Dason, and Jacob. They were in a foster home together, but then the brothers were separated. Jacob and Kota moved to live a family member in Washington, while Dason remained in Nevada. After some time, Jacob and Kota re-entered foster care and were placed in a Skookum home.

The Skookum foster parents caring for Jacob and Kota decided to reach out to Dason’s foster family and the boys' extended family in Nevada. Soon, Jacob and Kota, along with their Skookum foster family, began making visits to Nevada. It’s become a tradition and they’ve made the trip every summer since then!

Now, every time the boys go back, they get to visit their tribe and spend time with their extended family, most of whom are also tribal members. Maintaining these relationships with their brother and relatives has helped instill a sense of identity and belonging for the boys. In fact, on their most recent trip, Kota and Jacob adopted a dog!

Dason was adopted by his foster family in Nevada, and guardianship may be on the horizon for Kota and Jacob. In the meantime, the boys' biological mother has been making trips to visit Kota and Jacob. Their mom even stays with them at their foster home. Foster care can be messy and trying. It’s beautiful that all parts of this family are putting in the work to keep the boys’ cultural and familial connections alive.