- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
After today’s announcement by the U.S. Supreme Court, the Protect ICWA Campaign (the Campaign), which consists of four national Native organizations: the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the National Congress of American Indians, the Association on American Indian Affairs, and the Native American Rights Fund, issued the following statement:
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will hear a challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a 44-year-old law which has long been considered the gold standard in child welfare policy. The far-reaching consequences of this case will be felt for generations.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
ICWA is widely supported by an impressive array of stakeholders within and outside of Indian Country. At the lower court, 486 Tribal Nations, 59 Native organizations, 31 child welfare orgs, 26 states + DC, and 77 members of Congress offered support for ICWA. These supporters recognize that ICWA is firmly in the best interests of Native children. In keeping them connected to their extended family and cultural identity, the positive outcomes are far-reaching and include higher self-esteem and academic achievement. Further, they recognize that collaboration between sovereign Tribal Nations and state child welfare systems is effective and just governance.
ICWA supporters are immersed in the historical background and present-day application of this law, which cannot be said of the few opponents who wish to overturn the law. In a coordinated, well-financed, direct attack, Texas and other opponents aim to simultaneously exploit Native children and undermine tribal rights. Their goal, weakened protections for Native children, would be a certain outcome of dismantling ICWA, clearing the way for bad actors to grow their control of Native land, Native industry, and Native futures.
Our opponents do not represent the best interests of Native children, families, or peoples; in fact they seek to undermine them. ICWA is a cornerstone to our Tribal Nations, and the Protect ICWA campaign will continue to defend ICWA in the interest of Native children and the future of Tribal Nations.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (September 15, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Harris Walz Campaign Returns to Wisconsin
Jobs Portal Launched to Hire Navajo Nation Employees
Following the release of the U.S. Department of the Interior's final report, we at Native News Online took a moment to reflect on our extensive three-year effort to highlight the traumatic legacy of Indian boarding schools. By covering all 12 Road to Healing events and publishing over 250 articles, we have amplified survivors' voices and illuminated the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. Our work continues. Please consider donating to help fund our ongoing coverage of Indian boarding schools.
