Indigenous tribal groups in the area are pleased with a new Nebraska law that they say is an important milestone for tribal sovereignty and protecting native families.
A bill, which recognizes and enforces Tribal Customary Adoptions under the Nebraska Indian Child Welfare Act, passed this year by the legislature went into effect in July.
Some indigenous people believe too many of their children are raised in parenting situations that are not compatible with Native traditions,
An event to note the new law was hosted Thursday in Macy, Nebraska, by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska, plus officials of the Winnebago, Ponca and Santee Sioux tribes.
An Omaha Tribe social media post said, "This landmark legislation strengthens tribal authority in matters involving Native children and families, while honoring their Tribal customs, traditions and self-determination.”
State lawmakers also took part in the Macy ceremony.
The Nebraska Appleseed group in a post said native children now can exit foster care through such TCAs, “providing them with a more culturally competent path out of care and opportunities to stay connected to their culture.”
