Indian child welfare focus of gathering

The Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum is meeting early this week in Sault St. Marie to further its work in the area of Indian child welfare and domestic violence crimes.

“Our goal is to continue building and strengthening relationships among Michigan’s tribal, state and federal courts,” said Justice Bridget M. McCormack, who serves as the Supreme Court Justice Liaison on tribal issues.

“By working together,” McCormack aid, “we can make sure that children and families benefit from a unified and seamless approach that protects their health and welfare.”

Created by the state Supreme Court last year, the forum is meeting for the third time since adopting its charter last fall in Petoskey.

The gathering, scheduled today and Tuesday, will focus on strategic planning and goal setting, addressing current issues surrounding Indian child welfare and sharing information about using federal law to prosecute domestic violence crimes.

Members of the group include the chief tribal judges of each of Michigan’s 12 federally recognized tribes, or their designated alternate judges, and 10 state court judges, appointed by the supreme court from among a pool of currently serving or retired Michigan judges or justices.