Dear Tribal Leader Letter

August 7 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Eastern
Virtual
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August 11 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm Alaska
Hybrid
HHS Region 10 Consultation
Southcentral Foundation
Nuka Learning Center
4085 Tudor Centre Drive
Anchorage, Alaska
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The Department of the Interior (DOI), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are committed to partnering on a nation-to-nation basis with Tribal Nations to ensure the wellbeing of Tribal children and preservation of Tribal families. In response to requests by Tribal leaders for updates on their collective efforts, they invite you to provide input on the Indian Child Welfare Act and what steps the agencies can take to promote federal protections for Indian children and their parents and caregivers.

The DOI, HHS, and DOJ will conduct two Tribal consultations as listed below and will accept oral and written comments. Additional consultations will be scheduled at a later date.
They are seeking input on the following:

• What additional supports would Tribal leaders find helpful to build their Tribal Nation’s capacity to exercise their rights and responsibilities under ICWA?
• Are there specific supports you believe the Federal government could provide to help state courts and child welfare agencies meet their obligations under ICWA? In your experience, are there specific aspects or requirements of ICWA where state courts and agencies need to build greater understanding or capacity?
• Are there existing State-Tribe collaborative partnerships or processes that you believe have helped support effective implementation of ICWA?

They also welcome your written comments, which should be submitted by email to consultation@bia.gov by 11:59pm ET on Friday, September 15, 2023.

If you have any questions regarding this effort, please contact Meghan Bishop, Policy Specialist to the Assistant Secretary -Indian Affairs, via email at meghan.bishop@bia.gov or 202-208-7163.