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Supreme Court Affirms Indian Child Welfare Act in Major Victory for Tribal Sovereignty 

HeadlineJun 16, 2023

The Supreme Court has upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act in a ruling that protects Native children from being removed from their tribal communities for adoption or foster care in non-Native homes. In a 7-2 ruling, Justice Amy Coney Barrett rejected an argument from Republican-led states and white families who argued the system is based on race, writing, “In sum, Congress’s power to legislate with respect to Indians is well established and broad.” Indigenous leaders are celebrating Thursday’s ruling, saying the 1978 law helps to preserve their families, traditions and cultures. After headlines, we’ll speak with Rebecca Nagle, Cherokee writer, award-winning journalist and host of “This Land” podcast. 

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