Until the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978, US law did little to support the younger generation of tribal members. Indeed, beginning with the Indian Civilization Act Fund of March 3, 1819, the Federal Government created Indian boarding schools to assimilate Indian children into the mainstream culture. Some call it “cultural genocide.” Tribal families had no access to courts to stop Indian agents from taking their children. The schools created generational trauma for tribal communities across the nation, which continues today and affects all American justice systems.

This course will address how the law treated Indians, their Tribes and their children, as well as how state/tribal courts and tribal communities address the long-lasting impact of Indian boarding schools. The highlight of the course will be a visit to the Stewart Indian School, to hear the traumatic stories of tribal children, their families and their communities. The program will include how state and tribal courts collaborate to heal the trauma that continues to affect communities around the country, including wellness courts and substance misuse treatment.

Registration for this course will open soon. Please let us know your interest by filling out the form below.