Statement on ICWA Ruling

“At the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we are dedicated to realizing a world where every child can thrive. Central to our work is a focus on racial healing and equity that recognizes hard truths about past wrongs and addresses the present consequences of racism.”

“Thanks to the hard, committed work of Indigenous leaders, communities and families, today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in Haaland v. Brackeen upholds the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), a 43-year-old federal law that protects the well-being and best interests of Indigenous children and families and affirms tribal sovereignty over Native child welfare matters. ICWA was enacted to respond to federal and state policies that systematically and forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families and communities for over a century.”

“While we join with many others in celebrating this victory, we will also continue to follow the leadership of our Indigenous partners as they carry on their efforts to preserve and uplift Indigenous culture and identity. We remain committed to helping heal the country’s many racial wounds and joining with Tribal communities to protect Native families, Native land, Tribal sovereignty and Native children.”