Indigenous Cultures Today: Protecting Native Families and Practicing Cultural Traditions

On June 15, 2023, Native American Nations celebrated a victory. The Supreme Court of the United States decided to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), first passed in 1978, which helps stop Native children from being taken from their homes. The US government had taken Native children away from their loved ones before, forcing them to go to boarding schools or to be adopted by non-Native families. But Native American peoples have always shown great strength and courage when it comes to protecting their children and loved ones. Learn how advocates for Native American rights are protecting their families and educating children about their cultural traditions—including languages, religions, ceremonies, and values.