National Native Organizations Release New Native Children's Policy Agenda

National Native Organizations Release New Native Children's Policy Agenda

National Indian Child Welfare Association Pledges to Put First Kids 1st 

Washington, DC - Native children form the backbone of future tribal success and someday will lead the charge to create thriving, vibrant communities which is why four national Native organizations - the National Congress of American Indians, the National Indian Child Welfare Association, the National Indian Education Association, and the National Indian Health Board - have come together to update the joint policy agenda for Native youth. The goal of this policy agenda is to set forth specific recommendations to improve the social, emotional, mental, physical, and economic health of children and youth,  allowing them to achieve their learning and developmental potential. In short, this initiative calls on key stakeholders to put First Kids 1st.

This agenda is intended as a tool to assist tribal leaders and other policymakers in their work to create and implement a vision for a vibrant, healthy community. It is also intended to guide stakeholders as they prioritize legislation and policy issues that may affect Native children and youth. The partners have identified four overarching themes as guiding principles for improving children's lives and outcomes. Within each theme, the agenda sets forth tribal strategies and policy objectives to implement these principles.

Native Children's Policy Agenda: Putting First Kids 1st is the updated work of the 2008 National Children's Agenda, created by the same four organizations and generously supported by W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This joint work for Native youth is part of the "First Kids 1st" initiative, which was announced last year and focuses on changing federal, state, and tribal policy to create conditions in which American Indian and Alaska Native children can thrive.

To read the full agenda, visit website.