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
Protect ICWA Campaign Stands with Indian Children and Families in Brackeen v. Haaland (formerly Brackeen v. Bernhardt) Cert. Petitions
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org (Portland, Ore., September 3, 2021)—Today, the United States, tribal defendants, and...
NICWA President Vigil Providing Testimony for the Native American Children’s Protection Act
First published online: July 13, 2021On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time, President Vigil of the...
NICWA Applauds U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in the Announcement of the Federal Government’s Plan to Launch the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., June 22, 2021)—Today, United States Interior Secretary Deb Haaland...
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.