Photo: The Author, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, Official portrait, Wikimedia
As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I will always fight to make sure the 28 federally recognized Tribes, bands, and colonies in Nevada get the services they need, and that includes working to support Native families.
Even though the Indian Child Welfare Act, which protects Native children from being separated from their families, is already part of Nevada state law, Tribes still face significant funding gaps. For example, parents experiencing a crisis may be required to send their children to live in another town, separating Indigenous children from their culture.
That’s why I worked with Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to introduce the bipartisan Promoting Strong Native Families and Children Act. This bill would ensure Tribal children remain connected to their families and culture by expanding access to funding through the Social Security Act. It would invest in Tribal family services agencies so that even during times of crisis, children can remain in their Tribal communities, preferably with their extended family members. We’re also working to grow prevention services for Tribal families and increase funds for the Tribal Court Improvement Program.
Tribal communities know what’s best for their children. By cutting federal red tape, I’m fighting to ensure they have more flexibility to provide family support when it’s needed most.
