MIFPA CEREMONIALLY SIGNED INTO LAW

By THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

On Friday, April 28, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan ceremonially signed and celebrated Chapter 16, Senate File 667, which strengthens the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) and prevents unnecessary separations between Native American children and families. Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan celebrated the bill signing alongside legislators, tribal leaders, council members, and urban Native community leaders. The celebration included a drum circle by the Ain Dah Yung Center Youth Drum Group. Photos from the event are courtesy of the Governor's Office.

"The amended and updated Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act adds even more protections for Native families across the state,” said Governor Walz. “Thank you to the MIFPA workgroup, to those who testified, the countless advocates, legislators, and everyone who worked to ensure our state can continue to protect Native families here in Minnesota — regardless of what happens at the federal level.”

Chapter 16, Senate File 667 strengthens child welfare protections for Native American families and children. The bill affirms the authority of all federally recognized Indian tribes to handle cases of Indian child custody and child placement proceedings and requires social workers to make active efforts to preserve family unity. Governor Walz officially signed the bill into law on March 16.