UMD’s Tribal Training and Certification Partnership (TTCP) was recently invited to facilitate a federal Tribal consultation in Mille Lacs that brought Tribal leaders from Region V (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana) together with federal representatives from the Administration on Children, Youth and Families (ACYF) and its Children’s Bureau (CB).
The Children’s Bureau “focuses on improving the lives of children and families through programs that reduce child abuse and neglect.” Tribal consultation is a process that recognizes Tribal sovereignty and includes government-to-government communication to consider agency or policy implications on Tribal Nations.
The goal of this federal consultation was to ensure Tribal Nations have an opportunity to record implications and make recommendations regarding the “Supporting America’s Children and Families Act.” Following nationwide Tribal consultation sessions, ACF will provide feedback to Tribal leaders regarding how the agency considered and incorporated Tribal input.
This new legislation provides needed funding for tribal child and family services related to family preservation. The law also requires states to consult with tribes regarding compliance with the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), incorporate training and technical assistance for compliance with ICWA, and record compliance with ICWA implementation in child protection cases.
ACF requested that the TTCP provide outreach to Tribal nations for participation, pre-planning, facilitation, and technical support for the consultation session. Over 60 Tribal nation leaders and delegates attended the consultation on August 25, 2025, and provided formal public comments.
“We were honored to be invited to facilitate this important Tribal consultation, as only one of three universities nationwide to be asked to facilitate this type of event,” said Jeri Jasken, TTCP director. “It reflects both the trust in our work and the strong relationships we’ve built, as well as the TTCP's growing national reputation. Miigwech (thank you) to the Tribal leaders and delegated speakers who provided comments on behalf of the Nations.”
Feature photo: pictured (L to R) are George Mitchell (ACF), Richie Smith (TTCP), Mark Erickson (TTCP), Dr. Angelique Day (ACF contractor), Laurel Iron Cloud (ACYF), and Larissa Littlewolf (TTCP).