Today’s Supreme Court decision in Haaland v. Brackeen is a victory for Tribal sovereignty and Native communities.
For centuries, Native children were torn away from their families and their communities. These acts were not only violations of the basic human rights of those children and their families but also an attack on the very existence of Tribal Nations.
The Indian Child Welfare Act—or ICWA—was passed to address this systemic injustice. As District Attorney of San Francisco, I represented children and families in ICWA cases. As Attorney General of California, I partnered with Tribal leaders, child welfare agencies, and law enforcement officials to enforce ICWA. So I have seen firsthand how essential this law is to the safety and wellbeing of Native children.
President Biden and I will continue to fight to protect Native families, children, and communities. And we will continue to stand with Tribal Nations in defense of Tribal sovereignty.
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