Sen. Murkowski Praises Native Children's Commission Implementation Act for Justice and Safety

Honoring Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell

• 😔 The hearing began with a moment of silence to acknowledge the passing of Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a significant leader and the first Native American to serve in the U.S. Senate.
• 👏 Senator Murkowski recognized Campbell's substantial contributions to initiatives benefiting America's indigenous people.

Focus on Justice and Safety for Native Children

• 🎯 The discussion centered on Title II of the Native Children's Commission Implementation Act, specifically addressing justice and safety for native children, youth, and families.
• ⚠️ The act aims to tackle serious public safety challenges and persistent gaps in law enforcement across Indian Country.
• 💡 A key focus is on providing resources before law enforcement involvement and supporting families and victims afterward to prevent further harm.

Strengthening Community-Based Services

• 🤝 Title II seeks to close service gaps by enhancing coordination, increasing funding flexibility, and investing in prevention programs.
• 🧩 This includes targeted support in juvenile justice, domestic violence, and cases involving missing children.
• 🗺️ The legislation is grounded in recommendations from the Alice Spotted Bear Walter Soalef Native Children's Commission report.

The Success of the Tiwahi Model

• 🏠 Tiwahi, meaning 'family' in Lakota and Dakota languages, is highlighted as a successful bipartisan initiative and a model for coordinated service delivery.
• 🛠️ This model allows tribes to build capacity and design locally tailored programs covering family services, juvenile justice, substance use prevention, and more.
• 🌟 The Tiwahi initiative has been transformative, consolidating departments and improving collaboration for the tribes it serves, allowing families to access multiple services in one central location.

Codifying and Expanding the Model

• 📜 Title II of the act would codify and expand the Tiwahi model to tribes nationwide.
• ⚖️ It also proposes establishing a tribal advisory committee on juvenile justice, studying cases of missing native children, and providing permanent funding for domestic violence coalitions and hotlines.