ANA's Commitment to Native Children - A Response to The Way Forward of the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

In 2016, Congress established the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children with the mandate to study the programs, funding, and supports of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children with the purpose of improving the lives of Native children and youth. The Commission is named after two remarkable advocates of Native children: Alyce Spotted Bear, a highly regarded Native American educator and enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in North Dakota; and Walter Soboleff, a well-known Tlingit scholar, elder and religious leader. Over several years, the Commission held field hearings and received testimony directly from tribal leaders, youth, elders, and scholars who shared their life experiences and challenges lifting Native communities. This Administration for Native Americans resource highlights recommendations made by the Commission, reflecting the importance of listening to Native communities across the country describe their vision of what will support communities, children, and youth into the future.