A federal judge in Rapid City has ruled that Pennington County violates the Indian Child Welfare Act in emergency abuse and neglect hearings. Judge Jeffrey Viken also found that policies and practices in the county violate the due-process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. SDPB’s Victoria Wicks reports on the lawsuit that was filed two years ago by Native parents and tribes.
Federal Ruling Finds For Plaintiffs In Landmark Indian Child Welfare Act Lawsuit
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Activists gathered in front of the federal courthouse in Rapid City two years ago this month, to support the filing of the ICWA lawsuit.
Photo by Victoria Wicks
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Cordelia White Elk was one of the activists who made speeches at the federal courthouse in March 2013. She holds her granddaughter as she speaks.
Photo by Victoria Wicks
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In March 2013, Mary Black Bonnet told of being taken away from her family and tribe when she was a child. She tells of her journey back.
Photo by Victoria Wicks
