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
Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Issues En Banc Decision in Brackeen v. Haaland (formerly Brackeen v. Bernhardt)
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., April 6, 2021)—Today, the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals...
Cowlitz Tribal Foundation Statewide Fund Provides Host Sponsorship of NICWA Conference
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., April 5, 2021)—The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)...
Seminole Tribe of Florida Provides Host Sponsorship of NICWA Conference
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., April 5, 2021)—The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)...
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.