Take action for ICWA

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a long-standing federal law protecting the well-being of Native children by upholding family integrity and stability. NICWA and partners are taking action to protect ICWA and end the threat of forced removal of Native children from their families, tribes, and communities. Here’s what you can do to help.

Educate yourself

Devote time to understand the history and contemporary context of ICWA. Learn more about ICWA, read our latest statements, and read the latest Brackeen v. Bernhardt case summary to get started. 

Keep up-to-date

News in Indian child welfare moves quickly, and we need all advocates for Native children and families on the same page. Consider taking the online ICWA course or participating in a training institute.  Sign up for NICWA e-news. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Join the national network of ICWA advocates by becoming a NICWA member.

Take it to your community

Organize an ICWA panel to educate your local community. Share with your circles why the law was passed, why it’s still needed today, and how it protects Native children and families. Invite tribal and state child welfare workers, tribal leaders, adult adoptees, families with experience with ICWA, teachers, and students as speakers.

Work with the news media

Every week, spend a few minutes looking at ICWA news coverage. Set up alerts to track ICWA media coverage. Where an article doesn’t fairly present the ongoing need for ICWA, contact the reporter and/or submit a letter to the editor to help create a more balanced perspective.

ICWA's 40 Years

Join us to celebrate important protections ICWA has provided for children and families for 40 years! Share the ICWA messaging from the Reclaiming Native Truth project.

Attend our annual conference

NICWA’s annual conference will be held in Denver, Colorado on March 29–April 1, 2020. Join more than 1,500 ICWA advocates to learn more about child welfare and best practices in tribal communities.