Indian Child Welfare Act

The Indian Child Welfare Act, 25 U.S.C., recognizes that there is a government-to-government relationship between the Tribes and the United States. This law was passed in 1978 and affirms this special political relationship , and is not based on race or ethnic factors. The Act does not come into play until the State has taken jurisdiction over one of our children.

To Protect and pass on the cultural heritage and values of the Tribe unto the 7 th generation.

To assume responsibility for the protection, care and well being of at risk children who are enrolled or are eligible for enrollment in the Tribe and to limit the separation of these Indian children from their families and culture.

To develop funds and guidelines for Indian Child Welfare programs, especially with regard to prevention, child protection, foster care and adoption procedures.

To further protect the cultural values and heritage of all Native American Children by supportive membership in the appropriate State, National and Indian Organizations and by providing cooperative services as requested by other Alaska Native/American Indian Tribes.

The biggest role that an Indian Child Welfare worker plays is in attempting to prevent the State becoming involved with our native children and their families and diligently working to extricate the child/children from the States hands once they are involved.

For More Information Please call (907) 745-0707 or E•Mail