Clallam County’s new Indian Child Welfare Act court is one of 14 of these specialty courts in the nation.
ICWA courts support native families by building partnerships and collaboration with tribal governments and Clallam County courts and services.
The Lower Elwha Klallam tribe hosted an opening conference in their beautiful Heritage Center; along with the Jamestown S’Klallam, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Makah and Quileute tribes, they shared songs, stories, perspectives and information.
Family Court Commissioner Brandon Mack and many court employees organized speakers from across the country.
It was an event to remember.
The U.S. government has a long history of tearing apart native families.
The tribes coming to the table with such trust and perseverance takes grace.
Dedication to future generations seems deeply ingrained in the culture and values of each of the tribes in this area and extends to both their future tribal citizens, and also everyone in the North Olympic Peninsula.
I wonder if this spirit of community has soaked into the geography of this place after being practiced for so long by those who have lived here since before recorded time?
Maybe this is the reason Port Angeles immediately felt like home, even to a newcomer like me.
Since moving here this March, I feel quite fortunate to have such diversity of culture and spirit in my new hometown.
We truly live in a remarkable place with many extraordinary people.
Meghan Fitzgerald
Port Angeles