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 News Fall 2023
Quarterly Newsletter 2023 Fall NICWA News "Activating Change in Tribal Child Welfare" NICWA News is the quarterly...
NICWA and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Partner to Relentlessly Advocate for the Needs of Native Children and Their Families
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., October 9, 2023)—On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the National Indian Child...
NICWA Statement on HHS Regulations Impacting Native Children, Youth, and Families
Media Contactmedia@nicwa.org(Portland, Ore., September 28, 2023)—Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human...
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.