Virtual Roundtable on the Indian Child Welfare Act (11am EASTERN)

 

WASHINGTON — In preparation for a fast-approaching U.S. Supreme Court decision on the fate of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Democratic minority members are holding a roundtable discussion this morning regarding the longstanding law that affirms tribal sovereignty in Indian child adoption cases. 

“House
Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.)
will host a virtual roundtable to discuss the history and significance
of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA),” according to a statement from
his office.

“ICWA
is a more than 40-year-old law that protects the well-being and best
interests of Native children and families in state child welfare
systems. In the past several years, ICWA has faced a series of legal
challenges, the most prominent being the Brackeen v. Haaland Supreme Court case.

“The
virtual roundtable will feature expert panelists to discuss the history
of ICWA and the role Congress can play to strengthen ICWA and protect
Native children and families.”

Of
note, according to Grijalva: “This is the first congressional convening
to examine ICWA since the onset of recent litigation efforts.”

 RELATED: “Indian Child Welfare Act again reaches U.S. Supreme Court. The basics of ICWA and why the high court is reviewing it now.”

Thanks to Indigenous Wire for this update