Tribal, National, and State Leaders Convene to Develop Strategy for Improving Spirit Lake Child Protection

This week twenty-six key decision-makers from the Spirit Lake Tribe, federal and state governments, as well as local and national private organizations met to kick off a comprehensive strategy called the "Spirit Lake Child Welfare Improvement Project." The purpose of this gathering was to convene decision-makers to craft a vision and an initial plan for the improvement of the child welfare system at Spirit Lake.

"No matter what culture, race, or background we come from, children are sacred," said Spirit Lake Chairman Leander "Russ" McDonald as he opened the convening. "This meeting is critical to bringing together assessment information and available resources to build a strong foundation for addressing child safety."

Attendees included leadership from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (US Department of Interior), Administration for Children and Families (US Department of Health and Human Services), the state ofNorth Dakota, representatives from elected officials inNorth Dakota, Casey Family Programs, and the Center for Native American Youth. All are committed to working collaboratively to improve the lives of Native children.

"I am very excited about this group coming together to develop an action plan to address needs within the Spirit Lake Tribe's child protection services, tribal social services, law enforcement, and judicial services," said Spirit Lake Chairman Leander "Russ" McDonald.

As a result of the leadership meeting, a plan and timeline was created and implementation teams with representatives from across the participating agencies and organizations. The efforts will include: technical assistance, community engagement, leadership engagement, coordination of emergency services, strategic mapping and planning, and assessments of child welfare, law enforcement, and social services.

"The fact that we had all of these stakeholders here together with the same mission and focused on moving forward for the benefit of the children of Spirit Lake is a positive move toward building a more collaborative, meaningful partnership," saidMichael Black, leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs who attended the meeting. "As the director of the BIA, I am proud to be a part of it."

"One meeting will not solve all the issues, so additional sessions over the next several months will refine the vision, add detail," remarkedAnita Fineday, managing director of Casey Family Programs' Indian Child Welfare Program. Casey Family Programs provided the support to hold the leadership meeting as well as two-days of training with those involved in the hands-on child welfare work at Spirit Lake.

"We are proud to be a part of this collaboration and effort drive new resources to address the needs of the children at Spirit Lake," saidErin Bailey, executive director of the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute. "Former US SenatorByron Dorganwho created our organization has long worked with the Spirit Lake Tribe."

Spirit Lake Dakota Nationis a federally recognized Indian tribe inNorth Dakota. The tribe's reservation was established by Treaty between the United States Government and the Sisseton Wahpeton Sioux Bands in 1867. The Reservation is located in East Central North Dakota. According to the Spirit Lake Tribe Enrollment office there are approximately 7,200 tribal members.

Casey Family Programsis the nation's largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities ofHopefor children and families across America. Founded in 1966, Casey Family Programs works in 50 states, theDistrict of ColumbiaandPuerto Ricoto influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live, including in Indian Country.. For additional information, please call (206) 282-7300 or visitwww.casey.org.

Center for Native American Youthis dedicated to improving the health, safety and overall well-being of Native American youth through communication, policy development and advocacy. Founded by former US SenatorByron DorganinFebruary 2011, the Center is a policy program within the Aspen Institute, headquartered inWashington, DC. The Center works to strengthen and create new connections as well as exchange resources and best practices that address the challenges facing Native youth. Visit the Center's website for a comprehensive list of resources available to young Native Americans, tribes and the general public. For more information, visitwww.cnay.org

SOURCE Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute