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State/County/Tribal Partnerships. Terri Yellowhammer MCWIC Tribal Gathering August 2009. Necessary Relationships. Federal/State grants Indian Child Welfare Act cases in District Court State/County financial responsibility for children under tribal court order (in tribal court)
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State/County/TribalPartnerships Terri Yellowhammer MCWIC Tribal Gathering August 2009
Necessary Relationships • Federal/State grants • Indian Child Welfare Act cases in District Court • State/County financial responsibility for children under tribal court order (in tribal court) • Tribal participation in State/County decision making
Issues • Communication styles vary • Different expectations around communication • Assumptions • ICWA seen as discriminatory by some • Lack of knowledge re: sovereignty • Fear/resentment • Both sides dig in
Remedies? • Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement • Tribal/State Agreements on enforcement of ICWA, • State ICWA laws, training • Regular staffings • Collaborative meetings between county and tribal entities • Mediation
Remedies,continued • Team approach • Important to produce an end product/protocol/agreement • Even with this, problems/attitudes may linger • Important to see big picture w/re to relationships
Child and Family Service Reviews • Stakeholder meetings • Follow up by asking for report • Can be time to suggest ways to collaborate
Examples of being stuck • County non payment for children under tribal court order for MN tribe • Media involved; misrepresentation of dollar amount for tribal children in care • Involved Attorney General’s Office, threat of lawsuit • Both sides dug in • Took extraordinary measures to address
How to resolve? • Agreed on meeting location • Shared a meal • Everyone had a chance to speak • Value in venting – but in moderation • Need to take the reins • Important to stay on track • ‘eyes on the prize’
Resolution? • What is our common ground? • What do we care about, as service providers? • Our love for our children
Questions? • Terri Yellowhammer • terriy01@msn.com • (612) 889-7922 • Mii gwetch/Pilamayayeye !