BROOKS, CA – The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, through its philanthropic arm Doyuti T’uhkama, has awarded $750,000 over three years to the California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) to expand its legal advocacy and tribal capacity-building work for Native children, families, and tribal nations across California.
The funding will support CTFC’s efforts to strengthen tribal authority in child welfare systems, develop the next generation of Native legal and social service professionals, and expand prevention-focused approaches for families. The announcement coincides with ICWA Day, the anniversary of the June 15, 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that upheld the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
“Every child deserves to be safe, supported, and connected to their family and community,” said Anthony Roberts, Chairman of the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Chair of Doyuti T’uhkama. “Tribes are best positioned to determine what that care looks like, yet too often lack equitable access to the resources to do so. This investment helps strengthen tribal capacity, expand legal advocacy, and advance prevention efforts that keep children where they belong – with their families, communities, and cultures.”
Formed by tribal leaders in 2017, CTFC works with California tribes, legislators, and public systems to turn policy recommendations into systems change. Its work is organized around three areas: legal advocacy, including direct representation of tribes in ICWA cases and impact litigation; training and workforce development for attorneys, social workers, and child welfare professionals, with an emphasis on building a pipeline of Native practitioners; and policy and systems change focused on ICWA implementation and tribal authority in child welfare. The Yocha Dehe funding will support CTFC’s Legal and Tribal Capacity Building programs.
“Our Coalition of Tribes from across California unifies around issues to build the future our children deserve,” said CTFC Board Chair Maryann McGovran, who also serves as Treasurer of the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation and Doyuti T’uhkama for investing in work that will allow us to continue advocating for youth and families while defending and advancing tribal sovereignty.”
CTFC’s work responds to long-standing impacts of policies that separated tribal children from their families and communities. Tribal children remain disproportionately represented in child welfare systems, and CTFC notes that earlier and more meaningful tribal engagement in child welfare cases is associated with higher rates of family reunification and stronger long-term stability for children.
Doyuti T’uhkama – which means “to give the acorn” in the Patwin language – is the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation’s giving program, supporting organizations focused on community well-being, equity, and opportunity.