The Commission of Indian Affairs is a proud partner of the 35th annual Indian Unity Conference, which will be held Thursday and Friday at the North Raleigh Hilton. This gathering provides opportunities for members of North Carolina’s tribes to find consensus on issues of importance to the entire community.
One such issue is the welfare of American Indian children – specifically, creating more and better opportunities for Indian children up for foster or adoptive care to be placed with qualified Indian families. While federal law reinforces the importance of the family unit and value of preserving traditions among federally-recognized tribes, such as the Eastern Band of Cherokee, state-recognized tribes do not enjoy the same protections.
The Commission has long advocated for keeping foster and adoptive children within their communities, ideally with a direct relative. While economic impacts, poor access to healthcare and other factors have contributed to the breakdown of some of our Indian families, many have relatives that are ready, willing and able to take in these at-risk children. Despite this, the majority of children are placed outside of their community.
The time appears right for change. A new House Study Committee to Preserve the Culture and Customs of Indian Children has been established and will meet on March 16. This topic is on the agenda.
As an appointed member, it is my hope that legislation will be strengthened to provide state-recognized tribes benefits comparable to those that are federally recognized. Our goal is to empower tribal families by better understanding and exercising their rights, and by giving more American Indian children the chance to be raised within the culture and traditions.