The Spirit Behind the The Spirit Behind the Indian Child Welfare ActIndian Child Welfare Act

Laura Bentle

Buffy Via

Pierce County CASA/GAL Coordinators

WA State CASA Conference

2015

VIDEOVIDEO

Indian Child Welfare Act

Educational Resource Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCqeauLvY8&feature=player_detailpage

History of TraumaHistory of Trauma Legislation and polices

– 1819 Indian Civilization Fund Act– General Allotment Act of 1887 (Dawes Act)– Boarding schools – Indian Relocation Act of 1956– 1959 Indian Adoption Project

Colonization introduced disease and traumatic events (Wounded Knee, Trail of Tears)

Intergenerational TraumaIntergenerational Trauma Forced assimilation of Indians into western culture led to the

breakdown of Indian families and has had devastating and long-lasting effects on Indian communities– Traditional land and economies were taken away; medical and

spiritual practices became illegal. Indians lost their families and children.

Dr. Maria Yellow Horse Brave Heart defines historical trauma as cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma

Skills embodied from trauma (anger, avoidance, fear, guilt, etc.) Skills missing from trauma exposure (connection, trust, satisfaction, acceptance, boundaries, etc.)

Tribal PerspectiveTribal Perspective

Remember!Remember! The abuses which led to the passage of the ICWA

were experiences of real people

Many of these victims live in the Indian communities today

They remember, sometimes personally and sometimes in the community’s collective memory, their children being unjustly taken

Their willingness to work with social services is often compromised even when it might lead to a better result on a specific case

The ICWA is not fully implemented in many states!

Cultural DifferencesCultural Differences

ValuesValuesAdapted from from Martina WhelshulaAdapted from from Martina Whelshula

European American Values American Indian Values

Acquire. Save possessions. Wealth and security sought.

Share. Honor in giving. Suspicious of those with too

much.

Vocal. Must talk. Embarrassed by silence. Give

instant answers.

Modest. Reserved. Allow time for thought.

Comfortable with silence.

Time is extremely important. Get things done. Watch the

clock. Schedules are priority. Prepare. Live for the future.

Time is here. Be patient. Enjoy life, enjoy today; it is all

we have. Live now.

Values continued…Values continued…European American Values American Indian Values

Always look a person in the eye. Looking away means disinterest or dishonesty.

Looking in the eye means aggressing or anger. Looking

down is a sign of respect.

Keep busy. Idleness is undesirable. Produce to

acquire and build reserves. Work is for virtue.

Work hard when you need to and enjoy leisure. Depend on

nature and use what is available. Work is for survival.

Individual achievement. Collective trumps the individual.

Values continued…Values continued…European American Values American Indian Values

Emphasis on youth. Knowledge. Science. Reason

Respect for wisdom of elders. Spirituality.

Bonding with primary caregiver.

Bonding with multiple caregivers and importance of

identity.

Light humor. Jokes. Deep sense of humor. See humor in life.

Values continued…Values continued…European American Values American Indian Values

Few strong ties beyond the single family unit.

Close ties to entire extended family including many

relatives and communities.

Act according to logic. Act according to what feels right. The heart.

Traditions of varying importance.

Great respect for ceremonies and traditions.

Values continued…Values continued…

European American Values American Indian Values

Criticism is immediate, blunt, to the point. Emphasis on the

goal.

Talk about good things long before criticisms. Emphasis

on the process.

Building Effective Building Effective RelationshipsRelationships

TipsTips Need to build relationship first!

– Introduce yourself (not just your role but where you are from, reason for calling/meeting)

– It takes time… Exercise your power, control, and authority cautiously Don’t make agreements you cannot keep (history of

broken promises) KEEP YOUR WORD! Be authentic and do what is comfortable for you but

don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone if invited

You may not always be accepted

Tips continued…Tips continued… Respect is very highly valued (don’t leave room, listen,

no side talk, don’t interrupt, etc.) Leave formality at home (dress, charts, notes, etc.)

Uniforms communicate importance of bureaucracy and authoritarianism. Shed the bureaucratic image (be genuine, authentic, and personal)

When in doubt ASK what is appropriate or not! Relationship is with you and not the organization Don’t refuse gifts or invitations within reason of CASA

guidelines!

Actions that Erode TrustActions that Erode Trust Personal biases If you have any fears, biases,

assumptions, or prejudices about Indian people (that you cannot overcome) you should not work with Indian families. You cannot hide these attitudes as they will be reflected in your presence, statements and decisions!

Failure to consult– Add ICW representative to email chains

Taking actions prior to building relationships/trust

VIDEOVIDEO

We Shall Remain

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Gs0iwY6YjSkRemain

Questions?Questions?DiscussionDiscussion