Olympia — The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) will recognize the 40th Anniversary of the Indian Child Welfare Act on November 8, 2018. Tribes will gather to celebrate ICWA and its relevant impact on maintaining Indian families.

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) was enacted in 1978 in response to a crisis affecting American Indian and Alaska Native children, families, and tribes.

"Over the last 40 years, ICWA has had an immense, positive impact on Indian families and communities. We value the proactive approach the State of Washington has taken and the recognition that Indian children have a right to be raised in their culture," said Suquamish Tribal Chairman and Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians President Leonard Forsman. "Northwest Tribes are focused on defending this law that has served to reverse the harmful assimilation policies promoted by past federal policy makers."

"Today we not only celebrate the 40th Anniversary of ICWA; we uphold the importance and necessity of the Act" said Ross Hunter, Secretary of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The State of Washington commits to working with the Tribes to ensure that the systematic separation of Indian children from their families cannot happen again."

###