Native Ways Federation

National Indian Child Welfare Association

5100 S.W. Macadam Ave., Suite 300

Portland, OR 97239

(503)222-4044

www.nicwa.org

MISSION

The National Indian Child Welfare Association is dedicated to the well-being of all American Indian children and families.

OUR VISION

Every Indian child must have access to community-based, culturally appropriate services that help them grow up safe, healthy, and spiritually strong—free from abuse, neglect, sexual exploitation, and the damaging effects of substance abuse.

WHO WE ARE

The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is the most comprehensive source of information on American Indian child welfare and the needs tribal families.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

To protect the most valuable resource of Indian people - Indian children.
To promote safe, healthy and culturally strong environments for Indian kids.
To promote the spiritual strength of Indian children and a positive cultural identity.
To be a strong voice for the needs of Indian children and Indian child welfare programs nationwide.
To advocate for and facilitate the proper implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
To promote the provision of effective services to Indian children by child welfare workers.
To provide technical assistance for and information sharing among Indian child welfare programs.
To provide education and leadership opportunities for Indian child welfare workers.

WHAT WE DO

There are people working in every Indian community to protect children.

They need the best information and training available to do that job well. NICWA provides quality, culturally specific information and training

Every Indian community has people who want to do something to improve the lives of their children. NICWA’s job is to support them.

American Indian/Alaska Native tribes need the rights and resources to protect their children. NICWA protects tribes’ rights and advocates for adequate resources.

Policy makers seldom have good information regarding the needs of American Indian children. NICWA’s job is to add to their knowledge.