American Indian child welfare leadership honored at NCAI celebration reception
PHOENIX – To celebrate the recent passage of Public Law 110-351 – called the most significant foster care reform in more than a decade – the National Indian Child Welfare Association honored 11 individuals and organizations that have provided outstanding leadership toward that reform on behalf of American Indian/Alaska Native children.
NICWA has sought congressional reform for more than 17 years to correct the exclusion of tribal governments from direct access to federal Title IV-E funds, the largest source of foster care funding available. Tribal access to this fund was one of the reforms contained in P.L. 110-351, the “Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act,” which was passed by Congress and signed into law earlier in October. As a result, new services and support will be available to American Indian and Alaska Native children who have been abused and neglected.
Honorees: |
The celebratory reception was in Phoenix, during the National Congress of American Indians annual convention. Guests included tribal leaders from across the country, child welfare case managers and advocates, NICWA staff and board, and the honorees. NICWA board secretary, Marla Jean Big Boy, Oglala Sioux, was mistress of ceremonies for the event and reported the highlights of nearly two decades of advocacy that preceded this legislative accomplishment.
“A bipartisan congressional effort, strong support from non-Indian and Indian organizations, passionate and resolute testimony by Indian leaders and foster youth – all of these factors worked together in an election year to make new child welfare legislation into law,” Big Boy said.
Photo courtesy National Indian Child Welfare Association |
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NICWA board president Maurice Lyons, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, presented a framed certificate of achievement to the honorees. Two NICWA staff members were also recognized: Executive Director Terry Cross, Seneca, and Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy David Simmons. In addition, three representatives of the Navajo Children and Family Services ICWA Unit presented Cross and Simmons with a certificate and gifts for their outstanding achievements on behalf of American Indian children.
Photo courtesy National Indian Child Welfare Association Honorees at the NICWA Title IV-E Celebration Reception are honored for their outstanding contributions to the future of Indian child welfare at the NICWA Celebration Reception in Phoenix Oct. 20. Event emcee and NICWA board member Marla Jean Big Boy (right) reads the highlights of their accomplishments. |
Cross’ closing comments focused on the next steps for tribal governments to obtain Title IV-E funds and the larger role tribes will play in the future following this historic legislative achievement, saying, “I feel like I’ve been walking on air,” at the NCAI convention.
NICWA is a national nonprofit and the most comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare and work on behalf of Indian children and families. NICWA provides public policy, research, advocacy, information, training and community development services to a broad national audience, state child welfare agencies, and other organizations, agencies and professionals interested in the field of Indian child welfare. Visit www.nicwa.org or call (503) 222-4044.
