The ICWA Law Center in Minneapolis is one of the most important groups defending ICWA today. Their model is excellent, and honestly should be imported to other urban centers. They do the individual representation most of us do not, and support those individuals with attorneys, social workers, parent mentors, and an elder in residence. They work with tribes and in tribal courts. I could go on about all of the individuals who work there for a long time. I received this email today, and though they did not ask us to post this, we are (especially because it’s a matching campaign from Shakopee):
The ICWA Law Center has been presented with a wonderful opportunity to secure much needed funding with your help! The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Business Council has generously awarded a matching donation to the ICWA Law Center in the amount of $12,500.00. This means that we must first raise $12,500 in order to receive the matching funds. Whether it is a small contribution or a larger contribution, each contribution is significant and we ask you to partner with us in achieving this goal. You can donate now by clicking on the link below.
The ICWA Law Center’s mission is unwavering – to strengthen, preserve and reunite Indian families, consistent with the mandates and spirit of the Indian Child Welfare Act. The ICWA Law Center provides legal services and advocacy to Indian families impacted by the child welfare system in both state courts and tribal courts. The Center’s core values of justice, engagement, collaboration and compassion guide our work.
Reflecting on the twenty-five years that the ICWA Law Center has been a part of our community, those of us who have had the honor of working for or volunteering for the Law Center are forever grateful for the opportunity to ensure that family’s voices are at the forefront of decisions involving their children. Relationships matter and the ICWA Law Center values the opportunity to provide guidance, support and hope to the families we serve. Advocating for families allows us to create a space where connections to family and tribe are valued as fundamental to healing. These connections are the foundation of our work.
The ICWA Law Center serves over two hundred families every year. We see the desperation of a mom struggling with opiate addiction and crying for help, the heartbreak of a grandma who is unable to see her grandchild, the fear of a father whose teenage daughter is missing, and the weariness of a family who spends their days looking for a safe place to sleep at night. The ICWA Law Center works to restore power to all we serve through giving voice to their struggles and courageousness. Through advocacy, we strive to tell their stories with integrity and purpose, in hopes that sharing their strengths will create a compassionate response to meet their needs.
We look forward to the ICWA Law Center’s next 25 years. Please consider helping us to secure the matching grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community through a financial contribution today. The ICWA Law Center is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible.
Many thanks,
