Event Title
A Panel Discussion on the Indian Chid Welfare Act (ICWA)
Location
Loosemore Auditorium
Description
PURPOSE: In 1978, Congress implemented the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to protect tribal autonomy. Currently, the federal court case, Brakeen V. Haaland, poses an imminent threat to ICWA, as it seeks to overturn the decades-old policy. PROCEDURES: This project gathered a panel of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) professionals and community members with the intention of bridging the gap between the social work profession and AI/AN communities. Six panelists, including three AI/AN legal representatives, a child welfare specialist, a behavioral health specialist, and a local community member whose adoption was a product of the Indian Adoption Project, presented their specialty topic to a group of 72 social work students and professionals in the format of an online traditional talking circle. OUTCOME: By having a discussion about the past, present, and future of ICWA, 72 participants gained a better understanding of the policy’s history and intended purpose, cultural awareness and knowledge, and the concept of tribal sovereignty. This event brought attention to the current federal court case threatening ICWA and better prepared the social work profession to advocate on behalf of AI/AN communities, regardless of the outcome. IMPACT: Social workers advocate for equity on behalf of minority populations and fight against oppressive systems that are harmful to vulnerable groups within society; understanding policy is a large part of this process. This event emphasized the importance of upholding ICWA for the wellbeing of AI/AN communities and better prepared the social work profession to work alongside this uniquely vulnerable population as an ally.
A Panel Discussion on the Indian Chid Welfare Act (ICWA)
Loosemore Auditorium
PURPOSE: In 1978, Congress implemented the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to protect tribal autonomy. Currently, the federal court case, Brakeen V. Haaland, poses an imminent threat to ICWA, as it seeks to overturn the decades-old policy. PROCEDURES: This project gathered a panel of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) professionals and community members with the intention of bridging the gap between the social work profession and AI/AN communities. Six panelists, including three AI/AN legal representatives, a child welfare specialist, a behavioral health specialist, and a local community member whose adoption was a product of the Indian Adoption Project, presented their specialty topic to a group of 72 social work students and professionals in the format of an online traditional talking circle. OUTCOME: By having a discussion about the past, present, and future of ICWA, 72 participants gained a better understanding of the policy’s history and intended purpose, cultural awareness and knowledge, and the concept of tribal sovereignty. This event brought attention to the current federal court case threatening ICWA and better prepared the social work profession to advocate on behalf of AI/AN communities, regardless of the outcome. IMPACT: Social workers advocate for equity on behalf of minority populations and fight against oppressive systems that are harmful to vulnerable groups within society; understanding policy is a large part of this process. This event emphasized the importance of upholding ICWA for the wellbeing of AI/AN communities and better prepared the social work profession to work alongside this uniquely vulnerable population as an ally.