The 13th annual Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Conference, held at the Choctaw Silver Star Convention Center, brought together about 150 judicial officials and child welfare workers to review federal requirements for the custody, foster care, and adoption of Indian children. Established in 1978, ICWA aims to preserve tribal culture and protect Indian children’s rights by ensuring early identification of Native heritage and promoting culturally appropriate placements. Speakers emphasized the importance of verifying tribal membership through official channels and involving tribes in child welfare cases. The conference also highlighted Choctaw cultural traditions, underscoring the significance of maintaining Native identity.

The conference addressed the historical trauma caused by policies like Indian boarding schools and the Indian Adoption Project, which sought to erase Native culture by forcibly removing children from their families. Retired Judge William A. Thorne Jr. shared lessons from his decades of experience, advocating for family preservation and culturally sensitive foster care as a last resort. Judge Kathleen Quigley stressed the need for comprehensive ICWA training for all involved in child welfare to ensure children maintain connections to their families and tribes. The event reinforced the message that every Indian child deserves a champion to protect their heritage and well-being.