who we are
About NICWA
NICWA is the only national membership organization that works to support the safety, health, and spiritual strength of American Indian and Alaska Native children along the broad continuum of their lives. We support tribes in building the capacity to prevent child abuse and neglect through positive systems change at the state, federal, and tribal levels.
News from NICWA
National Native Organizations Unite and Urge the President and Congress to Re-Open the Government
(Portland, Ore., January 10, 2019)—On the 20th day of the government shutdown, eight national Native organizations are...
Take Five for our 2019 Annual Communications Survey
Our team would like to know more about who you are, what you like receiving from us, and how we can better communicate...
Joint Statement on the Fifth Circuit Granting the Motion to Stay the District Court’s Decision on the Indian Child Welfare Act—The Gold Standard Remains Applicable in All 50 States
(Portland, Ore., December 4, 2018)—Statement from the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA), the National...
who we are
Heart of ICWA
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) protects American Indian and Alaska Native kids in child welfare proceedings by keeping them in the care of extended families or tribes whenever possible. ICWA protects identity, familial network, and sense of belonging-things that all children need. In this multi-part digital storytelling series, The Heart of ICWA, families convey firsthand what happens when the basic protections of ICWA are followed and the devastating consequences when families and children are deprived of these basic rights.