The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, through its Doyuti T’uhkama initiative, has awarded $750,000 over three years to the California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) to expand legal advocacy and tribal capacity-building efforts that support Native children, families, and Tribal Nations throughout California.
The funding will bolster CTFC’s work to strengthen tribal authority in child welfare systems, invest in the next generation of Native legal and social service professionals, and expand prevention-focused strategies designed to keep Native families together and improve outcomes for children.
The announcement comes just ahead of ICWA Day, commemorated annually on June 15 to mark the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).
“Every child deserves to be safe, supported, and connected to their family and community,” said Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Chair of Doyuti T’uhkama. “Tribes are best positioned to determine what that care looks like, yet too often lack equitable access to the resources to do so. This investment helps strengthen tribal capacity, expand legal advocacy, and advance prevention efforts that keep children where they belong – with their families, communities, and cultures.”
Established by tribal leaders in 2017, the California Tribal Families Coalition partners with Tribal Nations, state lawmakers, and public agencies to advance policies that strengthen tribal sovereignty and improve child welfare outcomes. Through legal advocacy, policy reform, and professional training, the coalition works to ensure that the rights of tribes, children, and families are protected.
CTFC’s work focuses on three key areas: providing direct legal representation to tribes in Indian Child Welfare Act cases and pursuing impact litigation; offering statewide training and workforce development opportunities for attorneys, social workers, and child welfare professionals; and advancing legislative and policy reforms that strengthen ICWA implementation while expanding tribal authority in child welfare systems.
The new grant will support the coalition’s Legal and Tribal Capacity Building programs, including efforts to increase access to early legal intervention for tribes, expand training opportunities for tribal and county partners, and develop a pipeline of Native attorneys and advocates.
“Our Coalition of Tribes from across California unifies around issues to build the future our children deserve,” said CTFC Board Chair Maryann McGovran, who also serves as Treasurer of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Doyuti T’uhkama for investing in work that will allow us to continue advocating for youth and families while defending and advancing tribal sovereignty.”
The coalition says its work addresses the lasting impacts of historic policies that separated Native children from their families and communities. Despite the protections established under ICWA, Native children continue to be disproportionately represented in child welfare systems, highlighting the need for approaches centered on tribal authority, cultural understanding, and community-based solutions.
Much of that work takes place behind the scenes in courtrooms, training sessions, and collaborations between tribal governments and local agencies. CTFC says early and meaningful tribal involvement in child welfare cases has been associated with improved outcomes, including higher rates of family reunification and greater long-term stability for children.
The organization also notes that many Tribal Nations across California continue to face inequitable access to funding and services despite being best positioned to serve their own communities. Investments such as the Doyuti T’uhkama grant are intended to strengthen tribal infrastructure, expand culturally grounded services, and support long-term, tribally led solutions.
Doyuti T’uhkama, which means “to give the acorn” in the Patwin language, is the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s philanthropic initiative supporting organizations and projects that promote community well-being, equity, and opportunity throughout California and beyond.
