Ugh, the suspense . . . .
SCOTUS will be releasing more opinions on Thursday.
Previous coverage here.
Child Welfare
ICT’s Baby Veronica Coverage: The Brown Family Perspective
Here.
This much is clear: If one did not know that this small family was at the center of one of the most important Indian law cases in the last 30 years, the Browns would seem like any other family at 6 o’clock in America. Two tired parents, a three-year-old with endless energy, dinner on the stove, dogs yapping, geese squawking and a house in the middle of remodeling. In military-speak, they are squared away.
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is hosting its Third Judicial Symposium on April 25, 2013
The Agenda is attached. The focus of the Symposium is on strengthening and healing children, families, and the community through tribal-state collaboration. There is no fee for this event.
Like a beautiful Alabama-Coushatta basket,
All things are woven together like a story, with love and prayers.
We are but one strand, but together we are the intricate weave of all generations.
Whatever we do to others, we do to ourselves.
Traditional wisdom, along with tears, laughter and peace, fill the basket;
Connecting all generations in the spirit of respect and unity.
~ Sr. Peacemaker, OtheldaJean Williams ~ 2013
Latest Federal Press Release on Spirit Lake Child Protection Issues
Here.
Hearings on First Nations Child Welfare
News article here.
OTTAWA – The Canadian Human Rights Tribunal begins hearings into a major case this morning about federal financing for First Nations child welfare.
Read it on Global News: Global News | First Nations child welfare funding in court
NPR on ICWA in South Dakota
From tonight’s All Things Considered: here.
This week, officials from the Crow Creek Sioux Nation and seven other tribes in the state sent an extensive report to Congress accusing South Dakota of systematically violating the federal Indian Child Welfare Act. The federal law says that, with some exceptions, if the state removes a Native American child, the state must place that child with relatives, tribal members or other Native Americans.
The report, which the officials wrote with the help of the nonprofit Lakota People’s Law Project, concludes that in many instances the state does not have the authority to remove native children from tribal land. When the state does have that authority, through a tribal court order or tribal council agreement, the report says the state is failing to place the majority of those children according to the law.
National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges Bulletin to Improve Compliance with ICWA
Michigan ICWA Bill (MIFPA) Passes State House of Representatives–Will Likely Become Law
Some good news in this legislative session–the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act just passed in the House and, having already passed in the Senate, is heading to the Governor’s office for him to sign. Bill status and versions are available here.
Update in Koniag v. Kanam — Some Evidence that “Karluk Tribal Court” Isn’t a Real Tribal Court At All
You may recall our posting on the recent complaint in Koniag, Inc. v. Kanam (and the Karluk Tribal Court). There is some evidence that the “Karluk Tribal Court” is not attached to a federally recognized tribe, and may be a total fraud.
Here are some additional materials in the ongoing federal suit:
Karluk Tribal Court Materials [Note the location of the tribal court — it’s in Washington state, a thousand miles from the Native village on Kodiak Island]
Here is an order issued by the “Karluk Tribal Court” purporting to declare a Washington state court ICWA proceeding invalid: Continue reading
Defending Childhood Task Force to Hold Detroit Hearing April 23-24, 2012
From the information provided here:
The Defending Childhood Task Force is interested in hearing from community members and professionals working with children and families who have experienced violence, and those who have personally experienced children’s exposure to violence, both as victims and witnesses.
The National Council on Crime and Delinquency site on the topic is here and has information on past task force hearings.
Turtle Talk 
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