Indian Children: Citizens, not Cultural Artifacts:
Supporting the Best Interest of Children: ICWA “Teach-In” Friday, October 28, 2011, 9am - 1pm, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Hearing Room, Wash, DC
The Indian Child Welfare Act was passed in 1978 in effort to help prevent Native-American tribes and families from losing children to non-Native homes through foster care and adoption. Though well-intentioned, the Act is now harming children all across the country as courts and tribes place culture and tribal sovereignty above children’s basic needs for permanency and stability.
Come hear real stories of children whose lives have been impacted by the Indian
Child Welfare Act. Listen to legal experts and scholars discuss the constitutionality of an Act that limits placement options and delays permanency for many of our nation’s most vulnerable children.
The sessions will include:
Initial Overview - The Mandate of Congress
a. Enforce the 14th Amendment
b. First, Do no Harm
c. Remedy Past Injustices
Session 1. ICWA is unconstitutional -
a. Dr. William B. Allen, Emeritus Professor, Political Science, MSU, will discuss Cohen v. Little Six; Granite Valley v. Jackpot Junction, Kiowa v. United Technologies, Choctaw v. Holyfield, and more.
Session 2. Congressional Intent -
a. Attorney O. Yale Lewis will discuss the legislative history of the ICWA and the changing history of the federal / Indian relationship.
Session 3. Political Status Claims threaten Citizenship -
a. Panel of affected families will share their family experience
b. Case studies on coerced enrollment will be presented.
Session 4. Cultural Heritage is a Data Point in Adoption Cases, not a Trump -
a. Who Decides when a citizen is an Indian; can race be politically attributed?
b. Restoring best interests of child as a consideration in adoptions.
Keynote: Dr. William Allen - Why We Must Act Now
JOIN US in support of the ‘Best Interest’ of Children — and THANK YOU!!
CONTACT LISA at WRITEUS@CAICW.ORG
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