Oct. 31, 2022
Vol. 23
CTFC MONTHLY HIGHLIGHTS
Latest News From California Tribal Families Coalition
CTFC Bids a Heartfelt Farewell to
Executive Director Delia Sharpe
It is with a mix of sadness and gratitude that the California Tribal Families Coalition Board of Directors shared earlier this month that founding Executive Director Ms. Delia Sharpe will be departing effective November 15, 2022. 

Ms. Sharpe worked with tribal leaders and stakeholders to launch the Coalition in 2017, making the recommendations of the California Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Compliance Task Force a reality. Under Ms. Sharpe’s leadership over the past five years, nearly all 20 of the report's recommendations have been initiated. With Sharpe’s guidance, the Coalition’s membership surged to include over 50 tribes and tribal organizations. The Coalition successfully amended over 50 sections of the California Welfare and Institutions Code, secured millions of dollars in state and federal funding for tribal family welfare projects, and sponsored legislation that has increased compliance with ICWA around the state.  
 
“We cannot thank Delia enough for her leadership, vision and tireless commitment to protecting tribal children and tribal families. Delia worked closely with tribes across California to launch our Coalition and to develop CTFC into a powerful and effective force for change to advance ICWA in our state and across the nation.” said CTFC Board Chair Maryann McGovran, Treasurer of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians.

Ms. Sharpe brought years of experience and a commitment to systems improvement with her when she founded the Coalition with tribal leaders at the helm. Today, the work to uphold tribal child welfare and justice systems and to protect ICWA is more important than ever as we face threats like the upcoming Brackeen v. Haaland case at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Taking up the charge are members of the very leadership team Ms. Sharpe has been cultivating for the last several years. The Board of Directors selected Ms. Blair Kreuzer (Hoopa Valley Tribe) and Michelle Castagne (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) to serve as Co-Executive Directors launching the next phase of the organization. ICWA and tribal child welfare protection and improvement is needed now more than ever and the new Co-EDs and the skilled staff at CTFC stand ready to fight alongside tribal nations, tribal leaders, tribal children and families and allies.

Please join the Board and staff in sharing our greatest thanks and well wishes to Ms. Sharpe for her years of service, thought leadership, and policy insight at the Coalition.
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month!
 
Join us in celebrating by tuning in for the Native American Heritage Month: Culture is Healing Virtual Event.

This virtual gathering will be co-hosted by the California Alliance of Child and Family Services, the Office of Assemblymember James Ramos, the Native American Legislative Caucus, and California Tribal Families Coalition
 
To register, click HERE
 
Tribes to Defend ICWA Before the
U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 9
On Nov. 9, attorneys for five intervening Tribes will present arguments defending the constitutionality of ICWA before the U.S. Supreme Court in Brackeen v. Haaland.

The Coalition and its members have been deeply involved in helping protect this critical 1978 civil law that ended the practice of forcibly removing Native children from their families and tribal communities.

The outcome of the case challenging ICWA could carry far-reaching implications for the foundational rights of tribes in relation to the U.S. government.

To listen to live audio of the oral arguments before the Supreme Court starting at 10 a.m. Eastern on Nov. 9, click on this LINK and follow the instructions.
Tribal Leaders News Conference
Tribal leaders and the Coalition's Legal Director Kimberly Cluff participated in a recent news conference to discuss the upcoming arguments before the US Supreme Court.

To read coverage in The Imprint, a daily publication focused on the nation’s child welfare and youth justice systems, please click above or on the image.
Inaugural Judges' Dinner of Central California

The Tribal Justice Collaborative in California hosted the inaugural Judge’s Dinner of Central California on Friday, October 28.

Over 190 tribal members and allies registered, showing the immense need and interest in upholding tribal justice and child welfare systems now more than ever.

The dinner was co-hosted by the Collaborative and the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians. The goal of the Collaborative’s annual dinners – which are now held in the Northern, Central, and Southern regions of California – is to strengthen a collaborative network of Judicial champions and allies for ICWA implementation in California, recognizing that when state courts, county child welfare, tribal child welfare services, tribes, and other stakeholders are in alignment with ICWA, Indian children and families experience better outcomes.

The event was a beautiful gathering and honoring of many ICWA champions in the Central Valley. California Tribal Families Coalition shared an organizational update about the work we’ve accomplished in 2022 and a look ahead at the Brackeen v. Haaland case and outcomes.

To track what you can do to support tribal efforts leading up to and following the Supreme Court case, join our monthly Brackeen Breakdown webinars.
Brackeen Breakdown on Dec. 2
Due to the November holidays, the next episode of our popular Brackeen Breakdown series will take place on Friday, Dec. 2 at noon to 1pm.
 
For Episode 9, CTFC will review the oral arguments presented to the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 9 and the implications of the Court's decision. 

Please arrive with questions - we look forward to seeing you!

Attendees must register in advance - HERE.
Support CTFC and Our Mission!
The California Tribal Families Coalition is having one of our most impactful years since our founding in 2017 -- and that is a direct result of the support and vision of our member tribes and supporters. As a force for change, our work continues with Brackeen and LC4T, as well as our ongoing efforts to advance tribal child welfare in California through our legislative efforts, litigation, trainings, and policy work.
As a Tribal Organization, the critical work being accomplished by CTFC is supported by our member tribes, private foundations, and individuals like you who believe that the rights and futures of Native children deserve protection.
Upcoming Events & Meetings
  • 11/1 Native American Heritage Month – (NAHM) begins!
  • 11/3 NAHM: Culture is Healing Event – Free virtual event co-hosted by Assemblymember Ramos, CTFC, California Alliance of Child and Family Services. Register HERE.
  • 11/6 CTFC Summer Law Clerk Application Deadline – More information HERE.
  • 11/9 Brackeen v. Haaland – Oral arguments will be heard at the United States Supreme Court. You can listen HERE at 10am Eastern.
  • 11/18-19 & 11/21 California Truth & Healing Council Events – More information HERE.