The Spirit Behind the Indian Child Welfare Act Laura Bentle Buffy Via Pierce County CASA/GAL Coordinators WA State CASA Conference 2015

VIDEO Indian Child Welfare Act Educational Resource Video auLvY8&feature=player_detailpagewww.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCqe auLvY8&feature=player_detailpage

History 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 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 Perspective

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 Differences

Values Adapted from from Martina Whelshula European American ValuesAmerican 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… European American ValuesAmerican 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… European American ValuesAmerican 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… European American ValuesAmerican 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… European American ValuesAmerican 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 Relationships

Tips   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…   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 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 chains   Taking actions prior to building relationships/trust

VIDEO We Shall Remain Remain

Questions? Discussion