Navajo Nation – Maricopa and Pima Counties ICWA Courts site visit on August 30
In late 2023, the Navajo Nation invited Judicial leadership from the ICWA Courts in both Maricopa and Pima County to a site visit in Window Rock, Arizona.
The event was hosted on August 30, 2024. They provided an invaluable opportunity to learn about the Navajo Nation’s governmental framework and the responsibility of the Navajo Division for Child and Family Services Programs, which houses their ICWA tribal social work team.
Tségháhoodzání, “Window Rock” – a sacred natural formation, deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual heritage of the Navajo Nation.
Navajo Nation experts shared education on their history, sacred traditions, and cultural practices. They also hosted a tour of the Navajo Nation Council Chambers that highlighted significant aspects of their history and resilience against adversity. It was a privilege to partake in such a meaningful experience alongside Pima County and to receive a warm welcome from the Navajo Nation. We remain committed to supporting all 22 Arizona tribal nations and complying with the child welfare gold standard required by ICWA law for native youth and families.
We feel that these engagement activities will help us continue to improve our work on ICWA cases. It is crucial for state courts to learn more about the unique practices of their local tribes and communities. Through these efforts, we aim to establish a more inclusive framework that recognizes the voices of tribal communities, ensuring their perspectives are essential in the decision-making processes impacting their children and families.
Navajo Nation:
The Navajo Division for Children and Family Services (NDCFS) welcomed Judge Bostwick, Judge Bustamante, Judge Quigley, and Judge Whitehead to the Navajo Nation. All four (4) judges are committed to ensuring the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 is applied and followed. ICWA is the “Gold Standard” of child welfare, as it promotes keeping Native American children with their families and keeping them connected to their culture. It is the spirit of ICWA that partnership between the Pima County ICWA Court, Maricopa County ICWA Court, and the Navajo Nation exist to discuss the best interests of our Navajo Children.
Throughout the day, the judges received an overview of the Navajo Nation government, Navajo culture, traditions, and services provided by the Navajo Division for Children and Family Services. The Navajo Nation’s attorney provided a brief overview of the Memorandum of Agreement between NDCFS and the Department of Child Safety. The day ended with meeting with President Buu Nygren and taking a tour of the council chamber. 
The tour provided the history of the Diné people and the continued perseverance of the Diné people.