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.
![NICWA ICON](https://www.nicwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/NICWA-ICON.png)
News from NICWA
Amicus Briefs Filed to Uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act and Support Indian Children and Families in Brackeen v. Haaland (formerly Brackeen v. Bernhardt)
Media ContactSarah Kastelicskastelic@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., October 12, 2021)—On Friday, 180 tribal nations and 35...
NICWA Applauds Truth and Healing Commission Legislation
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., September 30, 2021)—The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)...
NICWA News Summer Fall 2021
Read the newest edition of our quarterly newsletter, NICWA News.Click here to read the Spring issue alongside past...
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.