Tribal-State Relations

Both the United States Congress and Tribal governments have articulated the importance of protecting the safety, permanency, and well-being of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) children. Through the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) of 1978, Congress stated ". . . that there is no resource that is more vital to the continued existence and integrity of Indian tribes than their children" (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901). Congress goes on to further assert that "it is the policy of this Nation to protect the best interests of Indian children and to promote the stability and security of Indian Tribes.