Justice Bridget McCormack

Washtenaw County Reunification Day Coverage; Justice McCormack, Judge Conners, and Chairman Mandoka

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is “Reunification Day” from the Washtenaw County Legal News.

An excerpt:

Justice McCormack acknowledged how moving the annual Adoption Day celebrations are and that “in a way, this is even more moving.

“As I look around and talk with people today, I believe it’s a privilege to be a part of this celebration. What a tremendous accomplishment. In reading thousands of petitions, you come to understand the struggles that families are facing in this process and of what’s required of them. I know from personal experience and as a mother that parenting is incredibly hard work. Raising a family is hard even when things are going well let alone the curve balls thrown at families in the court process.”

McCormack noted that parents “are only as happy as your unhappiest child.”

“As an appellate judge, it isn’t often that I can look a parent in the face and say, ‘Well Done.’ So it’s nice to say that today. In spite of setbacks, you didn’t stop working to show your kids what it means to be a family. And as important as that accomplishment, you have shown your kids how to get through it when life throws you a curve ball.”

Chairman Mandoka noted that during his involvement in the development of a tribal court system in Michigan, tribal leaders needed to address difficult family situations.

“We wanted to make sure people could see more clearly when in a fog. In the fog, you feel lost, you make wrong decisions. We’ve all been a part of that. We have now developed a court system and a probation system to help struggling individuals see past that fog.

“In the end, it’s always about a relationship. You can talk about models, plans and forecasts but it’s still all about the relationship; eye-to-eye contact and a handshake.

“We all should make sure that we leave this earth a better place than how it was when we came into it, for our children. That’s what should drive us, should be our passion.”

Judge Connors noted that those involved in child welfare work have defined the responsibility to three core accomplishments: safe children, strong families and supportive communities.

“We are always looking at doing whatever furthers those key goals. One thing we have learned from Native American culture and tribal courts is the importance to come to your work with an internal balance. Only then can we bring the best that we have to a situation.

Michigan SCT Justice Mike Cavanagh OpEd: “Inaugural tribal-state court forum addresses child welfare issues”

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Justice Cavanagh’s op/ed is available here.

An excerpt:

Our inaugural Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum meeting this week focused on issues of Indian child welfare, on outlining the scope of the Forum’s work, and on organizing our leadership. We examined what forums in other states are doing to find examples of best practices and innovations. Also, we delved into the ICWA as the “gold standard,” as well as the importance of judicial leadership and collaboration.

Because we can’t know where we should be headed if we don’t know where we are now, the Forum also received updates on Michigan Indian child welfare data, and child welfare services and resources from the State Court Administrative Office.

Most importantly, the Forum finalized our Naakonigewin, or Charter, which defines our make-up, appointment process, and governance. The Charter will not only solidify and formalize a valuable, long-standing relationship, but it also will lay the groundwork for future collaborations among the courts. The Charter will guarantee that while the names may change, the mission will continue.

As we opened our meeting with a traditional tribal pipe ceremony and drums, I had the honor of sharing some reflections on my lifelong commitment to improving relations between our sovereign governments and our people. I am also excited to hand over my role as Supreme Court Tribal Liaison Justice to the Forum to Justice Bridget McCormack. I have no doubt she will bring even more passion and dedication to the task.

I am positive that the Forum, under the guidance of Justice McCormack, its tribal and state judge co-chairs, and the participation of many of the state’s and tribes’ most dedicated jurists, will continue to find common ground to accomplish wonderful things for all our children. The measure of our success will be reflected in strong relationships, linking our peoples, learning from the lessons of the past and leading our children to a better future.