On April 26, 2021, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signed a new law that aims to safeguard tribal adoptions. The law, known as House Bill 1336, was introduced by Representative Ruth Buffalo, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation.
The bill was developed in response to concerns raised by tribal leaders and advocates about the lack of protections for Native American children in the state’s adoption system. According to a report by the National Indian Child Welfare Association, Native American children are overrepresented in the foster care system and are more likely to be placed in non-Native homes.
House Bill 1336 seeks to address these issues by requiring that tribal governments be notified when a Native American child is placed in foster care or up for adoption. The bill also requires that tribal governments be given the opportunity to intervene in the adoption process and that preference be given to Native American families when placing children in adoptive homes.
In addition, the bill establishes a task force to study the state’s adoption system and make recommendations for improving it. The task force will include representatives from tribal governments, the state government, and adoption agencies.
The new law has been praised by tribal leaders and advocates as an important step towards protecting Native American children and preserving tribal culture and traditions. In a statement, Representative Buffalo said, “This bill is about ensuring that our Native children are not lost to their tribes and communities. It’s about keeping our families together and preserving our cultures.”
The passage of House Bill 1336 comes at a time when there is growing recognition of the importance of preserving Native American culture and traditions. In recent years, there has been increased attention on the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, as well as efforts to address historical trauma and promote healing in Native communities.
By safeguarding tribal adoptions, North Dakota is taking an important step towards ensuring that Native American children are able to grow up with a strong connection to their culture and community. The new law serves as a model for other states to follow in their efforts to address the unique needs of Native American children and families.
