Tribal Consultation, Tribal Compact, and Tribal Engagement

Overview

The Alaska Department of Family and Community Services works together with Tribes and Tribal partners in various ways. Tribal consultation is a formal process that facilitates communication and collaboration between state agencies and Tribal entities to address issues that affect Tribal communities. In addition, the Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact (more commonly known as “Compact”) enables Tribes to take a leading role in the administration of child welfare services within their communities. This compact is a collaborative agreement between the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Tribes, designed to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and improve services for Native children and families in alignment with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

Tribal engagement with the State of Alaska involves direct, ongoing interactions and partnerships between state agencies and Tribes. Examples of Tribal engagement include:

• Joint trainings and workshops between state agencies and Tribal leaders on child welfare, juvenile justice, and complex care.
• Participation in advisory boards, workgroups, and committees that influence state programs and services impacting Alaska Native populations.

Indian Child Welfare

What is ICWA?

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a federal law that seeks to protect the rights and welfare of Native American children in child custody proceedings. For more information, visit the Office of Children's Services ICWA page.

National ICWA Information

For more detailed national information regarding the Indian Child Welfare Act, visit the Bureau of Indian Affairs ICWA page.

Tribal-State Collaboration Group

The Office of Children's Services’ Tribal-State Collaboration Group offers resources, including child protective services disproportionality data, Tribal partner contact information, and ICWA resources.

Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact

The Alaska Tribal Child Welfare Compact enables Tribes to take a leading role in the administration of child welfare services within their communities. It is a collaborative agreement between the State of Alaska and Alaska Native Tribes, designed to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and improve services for Native children and families in alignment with the principles of the Indian Child Welfare Act. For more information, visit this resource.

Tribal Liaison Contact Information

For further assistance, please contact:
Mariah Seater
Special Assistant II / Tribal Liaison
Email: mariah.seater@alaska.gov