Indian Child Welfare
About Us
The Office of Children’s Services (OCS), within the Alaska Department of Family and Community Services, is deeply committed to upholding the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). We recognize the vital importance of preserving the connection between Alaska Native children, their families, and their Tribes. OCS continues to integrate the principles and mandates of ICWA into every level of our child welfare practice.
We are dedicated to fostering strong, respectful, and transparent partnerships with Tribes and Native organizations across Alaska. Through ongoing collaboration, open communication, and shared decision-making, we strive to honor Tribal sovereignty and support the well-being of Native children and families.
Upcoming Events
ICWA II Trainings
- January 27-29, 2026
- April 28-30, 2026
- August 25-27, 2026
- October 27-29, 2026
NICWA
Current news and information on Indian Child Welfare, Institutional Racism, and Alaska Native issues
Quick Facts for Alaska
- American Indian or Alaska Native is identified as one of the categories of race by the Federal government.
- There are 229 federally recognized Tribes in Alaska, out of the “Alaska Native” demographic. There are many more Tribes but not federally recognized.
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There are many different ethnicities of Alaska Native people identified. (Athabascan, Yup'ik, Cup’ik, Inupiaq, Unangax/Aleut, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian)