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
NICWA Statement on Presidential FY 2018 Budget
On May 23, 2017, the White House released its fiscal year 2018 budget for federal agencies. This was the more detailed...
The Heart of ICWA
ICWA Personal Stories Video Project Launch (Portland, Oregon, December 19, 2016)—For 37 years the Indian Child Welfare...
Regulations to protect Native children go into effect
ICWA Defense Project praises critical step to enforce federal law (Portland, Oregon, December 12, 2016)—Today, the...
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.