Last week, the Alliance partnered with 30 other organizations to file an amicus brief in an important U.S. Supreme Court case, Haaland v. Brackeen. This case, which the Supreme Court will hear in November, involves a constitutional challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) brought by the state of Texas and several individuals. Children’s rights organizations are urging the Supreme Court to uphold ICWA, as it is not only constitutional, it is essential for safeguarding the constitutional rights and best interests of Indian children by acknowledging the vital importance of tribal affiliation and cultural continuity.
Originally passed in 1978 to prevent the separation of Native children from their families and culture and to keep youth connected to their tribal identity, ICWA addresses a history of harm and trauma suffered by Native communities. It recognizes tribal jurisdiction when it comes to making decisions that will impact their children, and establishes minimum federal standards for removing Indian children from their families.
Learn more about this amicus brief filing via the National Association of Counsel for Children’s (NACC) press release here.
