Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe passes employee policy allowing parents to bring infants to work

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's Tribal Council unanimously passed a new Infant at Work policy that allows new mothers, fathers or legal guardians to bring their infant to work with them until the child is mobile or one year of age.

"What we are doing is looking back at our traditional ways in order to move forward for our future generations," said Tribal Chairwoman Charlene Nelson.

The policy enables mothers and fathers more bonding time during the first year, encourages a more consistent and longer period of breast feeding, and it encourages parents/guardians to return to work sooner and without the stress of leaving their infant, read the tribe's statement.

The council passed the policy Dec. 6 and is now implementing the policy, according to a statement from the tribe. There are currently two infants at the Shoalwater Bay Tribal offices coming to work with their mothers under the new policy, and another is due shortly.

The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe's government currently employs 81 people. The casino, gas station and other economic ventures are under Willapa Bay Enterprises and are separate from the governing entity and are not required to follow the policy.

"It is important for us, as a tribe, to foster the parental bond. Bringing children along is a traditional value in our community. My mother tells me she brought me as an infant to meetings and I would crawl around the floor at Tribal Council," said Tribal Administrator Jesse Downs. "I even remember as an older child going to meetings with outside organizations with my mother. These traditional values mean we, as parents, don't have to choose between work and family. Coming from the private sector, I feel especially grateful to be able to bring my 6-month-old son with me."

According to a report from Child Care Aware of America, the national average cost of childcare is around $8,700 per year, so the policy also eases the financial burden for new parents.

Naturally, there are some straightforward and obvious guidelines in the policy which prohibit infants from being in high-risk areas such as maintenance shops and work areas, food preparation areas and construction areas.

Mary Johnson, a parent, tribal member, and employee at Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe stated: "As a recent college graduate and first-time mom, the new policy has made my transition to working full-time possible. Bringing my son to work has promoted his growth and well-being because we are able to continue breastfeeding. It has also allowed me to provide for my family, while simultaneously bonding with my son, in turn benefiting our entire family."

The tribe is also currently working on finishing up another policy that would allow employees to bring older children to work as well. This policy will enable older children to accompany their parents to work at times such as teacher work days, early release school days and breaks such as mid-winter and spring break.

"Bringing infants to work allows for precious parental bonding in the early stages and strengthens the bonds between our children and the broader community, a valued lifelong support network," said Downs. "We also create more opportunities for inter-generational learning, which keeps our culture alive. Of course, we all know a child's smile can brighten and lighten any room, so, it seems to have a positive impact on the general working environment. Seeing our kids here reminds me of why we come to work every day — to make a better future for the coming generations."