fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
 On the heels of oral arguments before the United States Supreme Court on the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), an organization comprised of a coalition of California tribes on Nov. 21 announced its creation of a think tank to advance and defend protections for Native children.

 The California ICWA Institute—a new project under The California Tribal Families Coalition— will bring together tribal leaders and policymakers to craft legal and political strategies in defense of Native American youth and tribal sovereignty under attack.

In early November, the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments for Haaland v. Brackeen, a highly contested case out of Texas that challenges the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). Congress passed ICWA in 1978 after a national effort to address the widespread practice of removing American Indian children—members of federally recognized tribes—from their homes and placing them with non-Native, white families.

“The Brackeen case is not the first attack on ICWA, and it will not be the last. Now more than ever, the Institute is critically needed to counter the well-resourced and coordinated interests who continue to strike against the Indian Child Welfare Act and tribal sovereignty,” California Tribal Families Coalition Board Chairperson Maryann McGovran, a tribal council member of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians in California, said in a statement.

 Opponents of ICWA argue that the law discriminates on the basis of race and prioritizes the interest of tribes over the needs of the Native children it is supposed to protect. The challenge of ICWA has been brought by the state of Texas and three non-Native couples that have sought to adopt or foster three Native children, with one couple being supported by the mother of a child that was adopted.

McGovran added that bringing together thought leaders and experts in tribal social services will help to develop proactive strategies to counteract ongoing threats to Native culture and child removal.

Never miss Indian Country’s biggest stories and breaking news. Sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. 
 

The think tank will create official reports on the legal standing and interest of tribes in child welfare proceedings; develop a model for California state statutes that preserve tribal rights to participate in state child welfare proceedings and the right of tribes to protect their members in tribal child welfare proceedings; and draft models of legal briefs to support impactful litigation efforts to protect tribal roles in child welfare related cases, according to the agency’s press release.

 CTFC has already begun meeting with tribal leaders and stakeholders to gather stories and perspectives. 

More Stories Like This

Chickasaw Culture, Unity Themes of Annual Cultural Evening
Cherokee Nation Steps to Aid Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Chickasaw Nation Governor Anoatubby Says State of the Chickasaw Nation is Strong and Getting Stronger
Poarch Creek Indians and Wind Creek Hospitality Partner to Support Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts
San Carlos Apache Tribe Appeals Arizona Supreme Court Decision to U.S. Supreme Court

Join our Founder’s Circle: a special group of supporters who are dedicated to ensuring that Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism. To join the Founder's Circle, we ask that you make a monthly recurring contribution of $15 or more or a one-time donation of $175 or more. 

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].